Zurich: FIFA is considering expanding the World Cup from 32 teams to 40 in 2026 and will discuss the proposal at a future meeting, with support particularly strong among Asian and African representatives. No formal agreement on the matter was reached at FIFA's Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, but ExCo member Wolfgang Niersbach said it will be discussed at a later date.

"No decision was taken on expanding the World Cup to 40 teams from 2026," Niersbach said in a written statement. "The Asian and African representatives on the executive committee were in favour of it. This matter has been put off until a future meeting." The debate on extending the World Cup came as a corruption scandal engulfing the organisation widened with fresh arrests.