FIFA to expand World Cup to 48 teams in 2026 FIFA council unanimously votes to expand the soccer World Cup from 32 to 48 teams; new schedule to be implemented from 2026 World Cup.The FIFA council has unanimously decided that the football World Cup will be expanded to host 48 teams, up from 32. An initial stage of 16 groups of 3 teams will precede a knockout stage for the remaining 32