The Qatar 2022 World Cup may expand from 32 teams to 48, with the possibility of Doha sharing the tournament with other countries in the Gulf region, according to FIFA.

“We have decided as well to increase the number of teams participating in the World Cup final tournaments, from 32 to 48. This will happen in 2026. Will it happen already in 2022? We are looking into it. If it is possible, why not?”, said Infantino, speaking at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.

Qatar has beaten Australia, Japan, South Korea and the US in 2010 to claim the hosting rights, becoming the first Arab country to do so.

Analysts have warned that the expansion of Qatar’s tournament would present a fresh batch of problems to a host nation that has already been the subject of much condemnation over migrant workers’ rights and its winter schedule.