The way the World Cup is played could be changing dramatically, and here's how
Here's how FIFA president Gianni Infantino's 48-team World Cup would work
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1 min read
We all know that FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to expand the World Cup from 32 teams to 48. There has even been talk about a 48-team cup where 16 teams are eliminated after just one game.
A modification could be approved at the FIFA Council meeting in January, and how Infantino would do a 48-team cup is taking shape. Per AFP, he wants 16 groups with three teams each.
#BREAKING Infantino backs 48-team World Cup with 16 groups of 3 - FIFA
— AFP news agency (@AFP) December 7, 2016
Per Rob Harris of the AP, here are the options.
Infantino proposes 16 groups of 3 teams in 48-team World Cup. That's among 4 formats going to FIFA Council decisionhttps://t.co/On6tgU8ABrpic.twitter.com/QYEynReTkm
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) December 7, 2016
1. Keep it the same
2. Have 40 teams, and do eight groups of five or 10 groups of four.
3. 48 teams, 16 in playoff round, then a 32-team group stage.
4. 48 teams, 16 groups of three, then round of 32 teams.
The concern from most soccer fans is that it would severely water down the cup and also reduce the importance, excitement and quality of World Cup qualifying if the cup is expanded.
Any changes would start with the 2026 World Cup, which is expected to be hosted in North America, with the United States, Mexico and Canada potentially hosting together.
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