December 10 – Gianni Infantino has confirmed that FIFA will definitely decide in March whether the 2022 World Cup in Qatar can be expanded to 48 teams, though the likelihood of the concept being brought forward from the 2026 tournament appears to be receding.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – In a move that seems likely to generate considerable opposition, especially in Europe, and smacks of financial vested interests, FIFA have been asked by Conmebol to consider staging the World Cup every two years.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 21 – Exactly four years to the day before the first ever winter World Cup kicks off, UEFA’s president Aleksander Ceferin says there would have to be a new vote if Qatar 2022 is expanded from 32 to 48 teams and shared with its neighbours.
By Andrew Warshaw
November 20 – The possibility of a multi-candidate battle to stage the 2030 World Cup has been stepped up with Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez (pictured left) saying his country would definitely like to join forces with Portugal and Morocco.
November 12 – England manager Gareth Southgate says expanding the World Cup to 48 teams would be a detrimental move and make the tournament less exciting for fans.
November 8 – Having brought it back on the agenda only last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino appears to have backtracked on the chances of an expanded 48-team World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
November 5 – Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia and Romania are considering an unlikely joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
By Andrew Warshaw
October 31 – Four months after it was taken off the agenda at the FIFA Congress, Gianni Infantino says FIFA is still “discussing” trying to bring about a 48-team World Cup for Qatar in 2022, potentially shared with the tiny Gulf state’s neighbours.
October 24 – Qatar 2022 World Cup infrastructure was given a flying inspection visit by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, en route to the FIFA Council meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, later this week.
September 27 – Pussy Riot member Pyotr Verzilov, one of four protesters who staged a pitch invasion during the World Cup final and who is believed to have been subsequently poisoned, has laid the blame squarely on Russia’s intelligence services.
September 24 – An investigation has been opened by Croatian authorities into the alleged sale of black market tickets for the World Cup final.
September 20 – The Republic of Ireland is joining forces with the four ‘home’ British nations to consider making a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup.
September 19 – German doctors treating Pyotr Verzilov, a member of Russian protest group Pussy Riot and one of those who staged a pitch invasion during the World Cup final, say it is “highly plausible” he was poisoned.
By Andrew Warshaw
August 31 – The Scottish and Welsh FAs have confirmed that exploratory talks are under way for a UK bid for the 2030 World Cup – even though South America would probably be regarded as favourites.
August 29 – Within six weeks of the World Cup finishing, one of the stadiums used at the tournament is already in trouble despite Russian authorities promising that all venues would leave a positive legacy.