World Cup set to expand as nations pledge support

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he has the backing of a majority of national soccer federations in favour of expanding the 2022 World Cup.

The proposed expansion will allow 48 teams to enter rather than the current allowance of 32 teams.

Infantino said a final decision would be made by March; however, it is unsure whether Qatar will be able to stage the enlarged tournament.

It had been suggested that Qatar would share matches with neighbours Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain; but political tensions between the Gulf countries could see this plan scrapped.

The countries began a boycott of Qatar in June 2017, accusing it of supporting terrorism – allegations that Qatar deny.

FIFA voted to increase the size of the competition from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2026; however, Infantino is looking to implement the changes sooner.

“So far, of course, the majority are in favour because 16 more teams participating not only means that 16 more countries will have World Cup fever, but 50 or 60 countries will be able to dream of qualifying for the World Cup.

Is it feasible to do it only in Qatar? Difficult probably.

Is it feasible to have a few games played in neighbouring countries? Maybe this is an option.

Of course, I’m not naive enough to not know and read the news, and what’s going on, but we are in football not in politics and in football sometimes dreams come true.”

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president speaking to Sky Sports

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