FIFA boss Infantino favours 40-team World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated Tuesday he wants to see a 40-team World Cup, pointing to the success of the European Championship's expanded format as a "positive" step forward.

Part of Infantino's campaign during the FIFA presidential election included a promise to add eight teams to the current 32 that qualify for the quadrennial tournament.

The earliest such a plan could be implemented is 2026, although a host has yet to be selected.

"My opinion has not changed on the 40 teams, but that's my opinion. We will have to discuss it and see what's the best for football," Infantino told reporters Tuesday, according to Reuters.

He said he's also open to a World Cup with multiple host nations - something which Euro 2020 will adopt.

The inflating costs of hosting a World Cup is prohibitive for many countries, and for good reason. Brazil went over budget to cover nearly $14 billion in infrastructure and operating costs.

With Europe set to entertain the football world in Russia two years from now, and Asia slated to put on the show in Qatar in 2022, Infantino thinks it could be North America's turn next.

"For the moment, everything is open, but there is a question of who can and cannot bid … we will see. CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean) didn't have a World Cup for a long time," said the Swiss-born Italian.

"Nothing is definite. I believe in the 40 teams because I think it is positive for the development of football and we have seen that again at the Euro 2016 in France with eight more teams.

"We need to realise that these kinds of events, like the World Cup or European Championship, are more than just a competition. They are really social events for the whole world."