FIFA approves plan to add 16 teams in 2026 World Cup

The FIFA Council voted unanimously to approve a plan that will add 16 teams to the World Cup starting in 2026, expanding the field to 48 countries overall.

"We have to shape the football World Cup of the 21st century," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said after Tuesday's vote in Zurich.

It marks the first time since 1998 World Cup that changes have been made to the tournament. Competition will feature 16 groups of three.

Infantino's preferred change for the 2026 tournament would feature a 32-team knockout round after group play that would bump the total number of games from 64 to 80 while remaining inside the 32-day schedule.

"No guarantees have been made," Infantino said. "The only sure thing is that obviously with 48 teams everyone will have a bit more than they have today."

A 16-match increase in the World Cup schedule would result in an income increase to FIFA of $1 billion between ticket sales, sponsorship and broadcasting, according to ESPN.

A host country for the 20206 World Cup has not yet been selected, although a United States bid -- potentially in partnership with Canada or Mexico -- is believed to be a strong favorite.