ZURICH (AP) — FIFA wants to decide in January if the 2026 World Cup will expand from its 32-team format, with 40 or 48 teams the favored options.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday he expects a decision when the ruling council meets for the first time next year. The January session is likely to be in Zurich.
"The general feeling is rather positive," toward expansion, Infantino said at a briefing after FIFA's ruling council met. "The level of quality of football is increasing all over the world."
The 2026 World Cup—which many expect to be hosted across North America—could also be run centrally by FIFA from Zurich instead of by the hosts' own local organizing committee.