The 2018 World Cup in Russia could have been the last played with the classic 32-teams format. The change to 48 participants has already been decided for the 2026 edition of the most important competiotion for national teams, but this new format could be introduced even earlier, as revealed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the Asian Football Confederation congress.
"The 48-teams format could be introduced in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, why not. We are discussing it with our Qatari friends and we hope that it happens. If not, at least we tried", Infatino said.
"We have to try to do things in the best way possible - FIFA president added - Everything will be decided before the qualifications start".
