By CGTN’s Wang Meng
FIFA has proposed its new format for an expanded World Cup. The football showpiece will be expanded for the 2026 edition, with 48 teams involved. They will be split into 16 groups of three, with the top two teams from each group advancing to a 32-team knockout stage. This new format will mean each continent will get extra places.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino spoke during the press conference at the FIFA Executive Football Summit. /CFP Photo
CONCACAF goes from three-and-half to six. South American is bumped up to six. Europe gets an extra three places for 16 in total. Africa adds four to reach nine. Asia almost doubles its quota to eight. Oceania gets one full spot. The hosts are also given a place, and will count as part of its respective continental allotment. The two remaining places will be decided by a six-team playoff tournament, involving a team from each continent except UEFA, and an extra one from the continent of the host country. FIFA will decide on this and other proposals in May.
