Sports

Infantino insists on 40 teams for 2026 World Cup

President of FIFA, Gianno Infantino has maintained that 40 teams will feature at the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

In May this year, the Swiss had indicated desire to add eight new teams to the tournament, a proposal that will be discussed possibly in October.

Infantino on Monday, maintained his stance in a media chat following an U-13 exhibition match between FCT and Enugu at the National Stadium, Abuja in climax of his two-day visit to Nigeria.

The 46-year-old administrator assured Africa that will get no fewer than two of the eight fresh slots in the proposed expanded World Cup event.

“In regards to the expansion of the World Cup and number of slots for African countries and those other countries around the World,” Infantino told media.

“I believe for the World Cup 2026, because World Cup 2018 and 2022 are already decided, there should be 40 teams.

“And out of the eight more there should be at least two slots for African teams.

“This is what i declared during my campaign and as you know I’m not a dictator but a democratically elected FIFA president, so I have to speak to everyone and listen to everyone as well.”

He reiterated vow to fulfil all his campaign promises, especially investing more in football development.

“The first was the reforms and they have been implemented. The second is for us to should invest more for football development.’’

OA

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