FIFA is expected to expand the World Cup to 40 teams on a dramatic day in Zurich, according to multiple reports.

The proposal should be ratified by FIFA’s executive committee later on Thursday – despite the dawn raids which saw two unnamed officials, reportedly Concacaf president Alfredo Hawit and Conmebol president Juan Angel Napout, arrested.

The current quota of 32 nations started at the 1998 World Cup in France, with the eight-team boost expected to increase spots available to non-European countries.

Europe currently has 13 automatic spots, with the other continents lagging well behind in terms of representation – Africa (five places), South America (four and a half), Asia (four and a half), North and Central America (three and a half) and Oceania (half a place). The final berth goes to the host.

Should the vote go as predicted, the new format could start from the 2026 tournament.

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