The proposal which was made by the FIFA Bureau also sees Europe allocated with 16 slots, Asia with eight, CONCACAF and South America with six each, and Oceana with a single slot.
9 slots proposed for Africa in 48-team tournament
The continent of Africa will from 2026 have nine representatives at the World Cup, if a proposition from the FIFA Bureau is accepted.
The remaining two slots – to make up 48 teams – will be filled by the host nation and the winner of a continental playoff.
The said playoff, which will be played in the host country, will constitute teams from six confederations – UEFA not included – with one coming from the continent of the host nation.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino promised to enlarge the World Cup from its current 32-team form to 48. And it appears he the idea is gradually reaching fruition, having been tabled before the various football federations.
The proposal by the FIFA Bureau stipulates that Oceana will have an automatic slot.
A final decision on the proposal will be taken when it is submitted to the FIFA Council at its next full meeting in Bahrain, come May.
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