The 2022 World Cup is unlikely to be increased to 48 teams, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday, although if it were enlarged, the possibility of co-hosting would have to be examined.

Infantino told reporters from news agencies that it was premature to talk of a 48-team tournament in Qatar. The World Cup will be increased from 32 to 48 teams from 2026 but the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) proposed in April that the change be introduced in 2022.

Infantino said the proposal would be put to the FIFA Congress in Moscow on June 10 and a decision would be needed within one year.

"For the moment, we have a World Cup with 32 teams which will be played in Qatar, that is the current situation," said Infantino.

"CONMEBOL made an interesting request... so we will have to look into it."

Infantino said that, if it were to be enlarged, "more teams means more stadiums, more venues, more hotels, more transportation. You need many people to agree on going down that road and I think it's premature.

"It's not likely it could change but I don't think we should be worried of discussing proposals. Obviously Qatar will have to agree.

"We have a contract with the Qataris, they have been awarded the World Cup with 32 teams," he said. "Contracts are there to be respected but there is nothing wrong in discussing."

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