The FIFA council has rubber-stamped plans to expand the World Cup to 48 teams from 2026, with the revamp proposed by the governing body’s president, Gianni Infantino, receiving unanimous backing.

This is the first time since the 1998 World Cup that changes have been made to the makeup of the tournament, with the 2026 competition set to feature 16 groups of three.

The tournament currently features 32 teams.

The other major decision regarding 2026 – who will host the event – is not scheduled for consideration until 2020, with a bid featuring the US, either on its own or in conjunction with one or both of Canada and Mexico, the overwhelming favorite.