FIFA is set to approve an expanded World Cup format for the 2026 tournament.
Under the new rules, a total of 48 countries will qualify for the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The tournament will feature 12 groups of four teams - with the top two, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout stage.
It's understood the new format will be approved at a meeting of FIFA's governing council in Rwanda later.