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FIFA decides to expand World Cup to a 48-team tournament as of 2026

By , Reporter
A FIFA Council unanimously decides to increase the World Cup to 48 nations as of 2026.

FIFA has unanimously decided to increase the World Cup to a 48-nation tournament as of 2026.

The coming changes will see the competition feature an initial stage of 16 groups made up of three teams, while a knockout stage will comprise the remaining 32 sides.

The tournament is to be completed within 32 days and will include a total of 80 matches compared to its previous number of 64.

Despite the increase, the eventual winners of the tournament will still play seven matches - the same number as in the previous incarnation of the cup.

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Christopher Dodd 
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5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
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20Southampton1512121131-205
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