FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, said that the chances of increasing the number of teams participating in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 were slim, adding that turning the suggestion into reality was a difficult challenge.

FIFA has decided to increase the number of teams participating in the World Cup from 32 to 48, starting with the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. However, in recent months the The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has proposed to apply this increase from the next World Cup.

"I did not change my mind, I think increasing the number of teams in the World Cup to 48 is good for football, that's why we're doing it in the World Cup in 2026," said Infantino.

"But can we do that starting in 2022? This is a difficult challenge, and we have to make the decision in March (the date of the next FIFA meeting in Miami)," he said. 

"It will be a very difficult challenge in Qatar, as a FIFA president I would be very pleased if some matches can be held in some countries in the region”.