The new format will be made up of 16 groups of three teams, FIFA said in a tweet sent by its media department, adding more details will follow after a meeting of the 37-member FIFA Council in Zurich on Tuesday. ICYMI: FIFA Council unanimously decides to expand the FIFA #WorldCup to a 48-team competition as of 2026. https://t.co/OXmqUi5Q7A pic.twitter.com/XUNbkaYWQN — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) January 10, 2017 FIFA’s announcement was quickly met with plenty of harsh criticism towards the decision.
The FIFA Council unanimously approves expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2026.