(Buzzfeed) This Is Why The Soccer World Cup Is Being Expanded To 48 Teams
Patrick Smith posted on Jan. 10, 2017, at 8:05 p.m.
The football tournament will be extended from 32 teams to 48 from 2026, partly due to the rising influence of emerging nations within FIFA, the game’s ruling body.
One of the world’s most-watched sporting events is going to get even bigger.
The football World Cup will expand from 32 teams to 48 from 2026, giving smaller, emerging nations the chance to compete alongside the world’s elite and generating hundreds of millions in extra profit.
FIFA, the game’s governing body, ratified the decision on Tuesday. Its ruling council was able to vote on a range of options, including having 40 teams, but unanimously decided on 48.
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