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Infantino proposes 16 groups of 3 teams in 48-team World Cup

FILE - In this July 13, 2014 file photo, fireworks explode over the Maracana Stadium after the World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Germany won 1-0. Brazil's anti-trust body CADE released a report Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, that said several construction companies rigged bids for 2014 World Cup stadiums, driving up costs by overcharging for the work. They included Rio de Janeiro’s famous Maracana stadium, where Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2014 World Cup final. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File) FILE - In this July 13, 2014 file photo, fireworks explode over the Maracana Stadium after the World Cup final match between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Germany won 1-0. Brazil's anti-trust body CADE released a report Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, that said several construction companies rigged bids for 2014 World Cup stadiums, driving up costs by overcharging for the work. They included Rio de Janeiro’s famous Maracana stadium, where Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2014 World Cup final. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File)

By Associated Press December 7, 2016 1 min read

LONDON (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suggested having 16 three-team groups if the World Cup expands to 48 countries.

Members of the FIFA Council received a recommendation from the governing body setting out four proposed formats, including sticking to a 32-team World Cup.

But Infantino wants to add 16 teams. He previously suggested a 32-team knockout round before the group stage, when the other 16 finalists enter – an idea that sparked opposition.

If the new plan is approved by the FIFA Council at a meeting next month, the World Cup would expand to 48 nations from 2026, and the top two teams from the 16 groups would advance to a new round of 32.

The recommendation letter to council members also set out a format for a 40-team World Cup.