Football’s governing body Fifa unanimously voted in favour of expanding the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams on Tuesday. The changes will come into effect from the 2026 edition, in which 80 matches will be played.

The idea was first floated by Fifa president Gianni Infantino. According to the 48-team format, teams will be divided into 16 groups comprising of three each. Only the winner in each group will progress to the knockout stages. The 16 remaining teams will then compete in a knockout format.

The idea drew a lot of flak from various footballing circles but had its fair share of supporters too, most notably from Argentine legend Diego Maradona. Fifa was last overhauled in 1998.

The current format, which has 32 participants, will continue to be the template for the next two quadrennial events – the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 edition, where Qatar are slated to play hosts. The venue of the 2026 World Cup has not yet been announced.