FIFA announce expanded World Cup of 48 teams for 2026 itv.com

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has got his way on expanding the World Cup to 48 teams in time for the 2026 tournament.

The FIFA Council ratified the decision, which will mean there will be 16 groups consisting of three teams in the 2026 World Cup.

The first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930 saw just 13 teams compete in 18 matches.

A vote to expand world football's premier event by 16 teams is second on the agenda at Tuesday's meeting of the FIFA Council in Zurich, with one insider telling Press Association Sport it is a "fait accompli".

The vote result will be a major boost to Infantino's chances of re-election in 2019.