Fifa boss Infantino says 48-team World Cup has support

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reiterated that the proposed move to a 48-team World Cup from 2026 has support from around the globe.

Speaking at a press conference in Dubai, Infantino also hinted that video assistant referees (VAR) could one day be used at a World Cup after its implementation at the Club World Cup earlier in December, according to ESPN.

FIFA research had on Friday concluded that the best and most profitable way to expand the World Cup is to 48 teams, comprised of 16 three-team groups with the top two going through to a regular round-of-32 knockout format.

Although FIFA acknowledges that the current 32-nation format produces the highest quality football, the 48-team version provides the best all-round benefits.

Once adopted, a total of 80 games would be played compared with the current 64.