48 teams could happen at Qatar World Cup 2022, says Fifa

The expansion of national teams to features in the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams could be implemented in 2022, as against the proposed 2026, says Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

The change would require Qatar to share 2022 hosting rights and duties with some countries in the region.

The decision has already been established to expand the tournament come 2026, when it takes place in the USA, Canada and Mexico, and FIFA President, Infantino is now contemplating doing the same for 2022. "If it is realistic, why not?" Infantino said.

"We need to see its possibilities, whether it is feasible. We are in discussion with our Qatari friends, likewise with many other countries within the region and we are optimistic that this can happen.

"But if it does not, we tried. Because we always try to achieve things in a much better way."

In his speech at the opening of the Asian Football Confederation's new headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Infantino also reiterated his desires to expand the Club World Cup.

The intention is to make it "more competitive" that "will attract clubs in the world.”