FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced plans for a 48-team World Cup, split into groups of three sides each.
It is not the first time Infantino has suggested expanding the tournament, but previously it was expected to include 40 nations rather than 48.
The idea of playing groups containing only three teams compared to the traditional four is also a new concept.
Currently the World Cup has 32 teams, but Infantino wants 16 groups of three squads, the top two of each group going into the knockout matches.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced plans for a 48-team World Cup, split into groups of three sides each.
It is not the first time Infantino has suggested expanding the tournament, but previously it was expected to include 40 nations rather than 48.
The idea of playing groups containing only three teams compared to the traditional four is also a new concept.
Currently the World Cup has 32 teams, but Infantino wants 16 groups of three squads, the top two of each group going into the knockout matches.
There will be a decision on this suggested format on January 9.
Even if it does get the go-ahead, it is unlikely to be implemented before the 2026 World Cup.
The last time the World Cup was expanded was in 1998, when it increased from 24 to 32 countries.