South American Football Confederation wants 48 teams for 2022 World Cup

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) on Thursday asked FIFA to bring forward plans to expand the World Cup to 48 teams in time for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The competition is due to be extended from 32 teams to 48 in time for the 2026 finals, which will be awarded either to Morocco or a joint North American bid from the United States, Mexico and Canada. However, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez handed over a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the organisation's congress in Buenos Aires, signed by the heads of the 10 South American federations, urging the early expansion.

He said "We are asking that the 2022 World Cup be played with 48 teams."

The new 48-team format will give South America six places, with a seventh side going into an intercontinental play-off.