The next World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the first to feature 48 teams, a sharp increase from the 32 sides at last year's tournament in Qatar

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee has approved the qualification format for Asia’s Road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as well as the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in preparation of the eight direct spots and single Intercontinental Playoff slot allocated to the AFC by FIFA following the expansion of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to 48 teams according to a press release from the AFC.