The international football governing body, Fifa, are to study the feasibility of an expanded world cup to be held from 2026 onward.
Fifa heads had mooted the idea in a couple of public appearances, and the matter has now been opened to study to see whether it would be a workable format for the mundial going forward.
A statement released by Fifa Friday indicated that after the needed studies have been conducted, the matter would be put up for discussion at the next Fifa meeting in January.
“Following discussions in a positive spirit, the 2026 FIFA World Cup may have an expanded 40- or 48-team competition format, pending further analysis of different options by the FIFA administration, with a final decision to be made on the format at the next Council meeting in January.” the statement said.
The tournament currently features 32 teams who compete in a  group stage, after which the Round of 16 is played. With an expanded format, the tournament could start with a knockout round, before the group stages even commences.
In other news, Fifa has barred countries from Europe and Asia from bidding for the hosting rights to the 2026 world cup, under its rotational policy of hosting. Russia (Europe) hosts the next world cup in 2018, whilst Qatar (Asia) hosts the 2022 edition. This move largely paves the way for the US to have the world cup back on their shores, 32 years after they last hosted it.
 

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