The 2022 Men’s World Cup will remain at 32 teams after FIFA withdrew its proposal to expand the tournament to 48 teams. The proposal was to be heard at the FIFA congress on WED 05 JUN 2019.

Due to the greater number of matches, expanding the 2022 tournament would have required another nation to join Qatar as cohost. Given the ongoing diplomatic dispute in the region and the late stage of preparations, FIFA concluded that expanding the 2022 tournament would not be feasible.

As a result of the decision, the 2026 Men’s World Cup, to be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will be the first with 48 teams.