FIFA approves 48-team WC slots

Asia will have eight slots at the 48-team World Cup from 2026 onwards, and the five other confederations of the FIFA will also see increases, the FIFA council decided on Tuesday.

FIFA said the council approved a proposal from a few weeks ago after an earlier decision to raise the number of participating teams from 32 to 48.

FIFA also confirmed that the final two berths will be determined in a six-team intercontinental mini tournament in late 2025 in the World Cup host nation.

Europe lead the way with 16 slots, while Africa had the biggest gain, from five to nine slots. North, central America and the Caribbean will have six just as South America, and Oceania one.