Football’s world governing body Fifa have approved the measure for its flagship competition, the World Cup, to be expanded to 48 teams from the current number of 32.

A vote was held by the organisation Tuesday that saw unanimous agreement on the expansion measure.

A measure that has been strongly championed by new Fifa President Gianni Infantino, critics say it would dilute the competitiveness of the tournament by allowing more undeserving teams to qualify, but Infantino argues it would make it more ‘inclusive’.

Fifa last expanded the format of the world cup in 1998, when it moved from 24 to 32 teams – this change takes effect from the 2026 world cup.