When will the World Cup expand to 48 nations and how many groups will there be? Here’s what we know
Fifa chiefs voted unanimously in favour of the change at a meeting in Zurich in the first expansion since 1998
FIFA have unanimously voted to increase the World Cup to 48 teams.
It is the first expansion of the tournament since France 98 and represents a huge change in structure.
President Gianni Infantino - who replaced Sepp Blatter In February 2016 - has championed the move which will net the governing body an extra £521million in profit.
Here we explain how the decision will affect the structure of the tournament as bigwigs try and cram in the extra fixtures.
When will the World Cup expand?
The changes will happen in the 2026 tournament with the host country yet to be announced.
Fifa are making changes to the bidding process after the decision to award the 2022 tournament to Qatar came under fire.
Infantino has been the driving force behind the move, insisting the World Cup has to be "more inclusive".
He added: "There is nothing bigger in terms of boosting football in a country than participating in a World Cup."
The current 32-team tournament came into play in 1998 - Uruguay 1930 saw just 13 countries represented.
How many groups will there be in the new World Cup format?
There will be 16 three-team groups for the initial stage of the tournament.
It will then revert to a straight knockout format with 32 of the countries making it through meaning the top two teams from each group will qualify.
Since 1998 the World Cup has been comprised of eight groups of four before a 16-team knockout stage.
How many places will European countries be given at the 2026 World Cup?
The decision has not been formally announced but Uefa is expecting 16 qualifying spots to be available to its members.
That is an increase from the 13 currently allocated for the world's most powerful bloc.
Fifa are believed to be set on giving 14 spots to the Americas, with the remaining 17 places between OFC, Africa and Asia.
How many extra matches will there be in the 2026 World Cup?
There will be 80 total matches at the 2026 World Cup - 16 more than current editions.
However, the eventual winners will still only play seven games thanks to restructuring and an expanded knockout phase.
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There will be one fewer group game with a round of 32 helping to cut the number of teams down quicker.
The number of tournament matches will rise to 80, from 64, but the eventual winners will still play only seven games.
How will the expanded World Cup affect the Premier League?
Powerful European clubs have lobbied against the reforms due to a crowded international schedule.
The clout carried by these teams have led Fifa to take steps to keep the tournament to a reasonable duration.
It will be completed within 32 days - just one more than Brazil 2014.
This should minimise the affect on the Premier League.