FIFA to keep 32 teams for 2022 World Cup

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The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be held with 32 participating teams and not an expanded 48 teams, organizers FIFA said on Wednesday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino had proposed expanding the tournament and explored the idea of adding additional host nations.

But the sport's world ruling body said in the statement: "Following a thorough and comprehensive consultation process with the involvement of all the relevant stakeholders, it was concluded that under the current circumstances such a proposal could not be made now."

Al Wakrah Stadium in Qatar, a 2022 World Cup venue, May 16, 2019. /VCG Photo

FIFA also said that they "have once again explored the feasibility of Qatar hosting a 48-team tournament by in particular lowering certain key FIFA requirements."

"It was therefore decided not to further pursue this option," it added.

An announcement of the final decision hadn't been expected until the congress, which is being held in Paris ahead of the Women's World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to feature 48 teams.

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

(Cover photo: The opening ceremony of Al Wakrah Stadium, the revenue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar, May 16, 2019. /VCG Photo )