March 30 – Gianni Infantino says his plan to expand the World Cup finals to 40 teams could begin in 2026.
And under the scheme, South America would get five automatic places, Infantino told a news conference in Montevideo during a tour of South America.
“We must open (the finals) up to more … The idea would be from 2026,” the new FIFA president said. “We’re going to talk about this with everyone: players, the (FIFA) council.”
“Not only do you give lots of teams the possibility of taking part, but also to many of dreaming of a place (in the finals).
South America currently has four automatic berths for its 11 nations plus the possibility of a fifth in an intercontinental playoff. “My proposal for South America is five fixed and maybe one more to play for on the pitch,” Infantino said.
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