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UEFA statement on FIFA World Cup expansion

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

About UEFA

UEFA has made an official statement on the decision to expand the FIFA World Cup final tournament to 48 teams, supporting the competition's new format.

UEFA has made a statement on changes to the World Cup final tournament
UEFA has made a statement on changes to the World Cup final tournament ©Getty Images

During today's FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, it was clear that all other confederations were overwhelmingly in favour of expanding the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams, starting in 2026. As a result, UEFA decided to join in supporting the new format of the competition.

UEFA is satisfied that it has succeeded in postponing the final decision regarding the slot allocation of every confederation in the future format of the FIFA World Cup.

We would also like to state that we are happy that the new proposed length and format of the tournament does not increase the burden on players. We will also ensure that clubs' interests will continue to be protected.

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