FIFA research has concluded that the best and most profitable way to expand the World Cup is a 48-team tournament of 16 three-team groups, the Associated Press has reported.
Earlier this month, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said a proposal to expand the tournament to 48 nations, with 16 groups of three teams, had received backing at a meeting of national federations.
Although the in-house research accepted that the current 32-nation format produces the highest quality football, the 48-team version ranks highest.
The proposed format is one of five options put forward for the 2026 World Cup, the first when change can be made.