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Brazil legends Cafu, Roberto Carlos say 48 teams will hurt quality of World Cup

ZURICH -- Former Brazil World Cup winners Cafu and Roberto Carlos have expressed concerns that the quality of the tournament could be affected if, as expected, the number of teams participating is increased to 48 by FIFA.

The 36-member FIFA Council is set to vote on Tuesday on plans to expand the World Cup, amid increasing reports that world football's governing body will introduce a 48-team format for the 2026 edition.

Cafu, who captained Brazil to World Cup victory in 2002 and also won the tournament in 1994 said: "I welcome the fact that more countries could be given the chance to participate in this fantastic tournament but my concern is that it could affect the level of football.