FIFA backtracks from plans to expand Qatar 2022 World Cup to 48 teams
Although the 2022 football World Cup in Qatar was conceptualised as a 32-team competition, recent developments had given strength to the thought that FIFA was keen to raise the number of teams to 48 sides.
While the competition from 2026 onwards has been scheduled in this format, there were widespread allegations that Qatar would be forced to do the same. However, reports have now emerged that FIFA has shelved those plans.
FIFA was expected to explore the possibility of a 48-team World Cup in Qatar during the FIFA annual Congress in Moscow on June 13, but it has now been taken off the agenda, reported Inside The Games.
This development followed FIFA President Gianni Infantino saying they will only proceed with the support of the host nation Qatar.
Plans for a feasibility study were put on hold after the head of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Hassan Al Thawadi addressed the ruling council, according to The Seattle Times.
Infantino, having earlier said he was keen on an adding 16 teams, now says agreement from the Gulf nation is a ‘precondition.’
The FIFA Congress, which features up to 211 football federations, will now have no say in the number of teams at the tournament in Qatar. Infantino said there would be no change in the number of finalists once qualifying begins, which is likely in early 2019, reported The Morning Bulletin.
“The final decision is that the council will decide,” Infantino said after Sunday's council meeting in Moscow.
“But obviously it cannot decide this without the agreement with the hosts of Qatar. That's a precondition, obviously,” he said.
Qatar is building eight stadiums to host the Middle East’s first World Cup and 12 to 14 venues would be required to accommodate 48 teams.
That would only realistically be possible if Qatar shared hosting duties, which is unlikely to happen.
FIFA is already committed to a 48-team World Cup in 2026 and the South American confederation of 10 nations formally asked Infantino in April to fast-track the expansion. Infantino has toned down his initial enthusiasm over the concept, with little sign of support away from CONMEBOL.
