[Denver]

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38565246

The World Cup will be expanded to host 48 teams, up from 32, Fifa has decided.

An initial stage of 16 groups of three teams will precede a knockout stage for the remaining 32 when the change is made for the 2026 tournament.

The sport's world governing body voted unanimously in favour of the change at a meeting in Zurich on Tuesday.

The number of tournament matches will rise to 80, from 64, but the eventual winners will still play only seven games.

The tournament will be completed within 32 days - a measure to appease powerful European clubs, who objected to reform because of a crowded international schedule.

The changes mark the first World Cup expansion since 1998.

[LeatherTrumpet]

come thru Scotland

[Denver]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

come thru Scotland

I don't think Europe are getting any more space

[Shaun]

Don't mind really. Can see why some argue it is just for extra money and it dilutes the quality of football but I am a sucker for international tournaments and enjoy the groups more than the rest of the tournament.

[Denver]

Originally Posted by Shaun

Don't mind really. Can see why some argue it is just for extra money and it dilutes the quality of football but I am a sucker for international tournaments and enjoy the groups more than the rest of the tournament.

It also gives some of the other nations from Oceania or Asia a chance at the big time

[Calderyon]

Kind of ridiculous tbh. The older system worked well imo.

[Nicky91]

come thru Tuvalu

[Calderyon]

Originally Posted by Adam.

I don't think Europe are getting any more space

Europe are getting 3 more places, i think.