It has been reported that soccer’s world governing body FIFA are to discus proposals that will see the 2026 World Cup being expanded from 32 teams to 40.
The news comes as top executives along with continental bosses are set to meet to discuss a number of issues at a meeting in Nyon tomorrow. Under the new proposals the traditional 32 team tournament would be expanded to include 8 more teams from other confederations outside of UEFA (Europe) and CONMEBOL (South America)from the 2026 tournament onwards. The call comes as a number of high ranking officials believe that both the European and South American confederations have too many representatives in the current format.
Such a move would allow so called smaller nations from CONCACAF (North America) Oceania (Pacific island nations), CAF (African region) and the AFC (Asian region) the chance to qualify for the tournament. The move is likely to be backed by a number of FIFA officials over the coming months, although there has been no confirmation as to how the addition of 8 further nations would alter the tournament’s format.