Football’s world governing body voted some months ago, January precisely to expand the tournament from the present 32 teams for 2026, but the confederation in the South American continent, Conmebol have asked for that to be brought forward.
It is understood that unofficial talks have taken place with Qatar officials, who remain skeptical about the idea given the logistical issues and the practicalities of making plans logistically for extra 16 teams.
Fifa boss Gianni Infantino is keen to expand 2022 World Cup to be hosted by Qatar to 48 teams – which may mean matches in the tournament being played in other Gulf States.
The football governing body will also conduct their own study to determine if the plan will be feasible in Qatar 2022.
“It seems to me a very interesting idea,” Infantino said after attending a Conmebol meeting in Buenos Aires. “We have to study it seriously and if it is possible, why not?
“I firmly believe in an enlargement because I am convinced that it is good for the development of the game. That is why we have proposed it and that is why we have agreed to it since 2026.”
The project would be a bogus and more cash-intensive for the expansion of the 32-team World Cup to 48.
Qatar are currently planning to construct eight more stadias – four fewer than bidders for the 48-team 2026 edition have been told they will require.
It is worthy of note by all football followers that the finals in four years’ time is scheduled to span through 28 days cutting across the last two months of the year, November and December, after the tournament was moved from its traditional summer slot because of concerns over heat.