FIFA president Gianni Infantino suggested that the format of the group stage at the 2026 World Cup could change once again in his most recent address to the media.
Originally, the game's governing body had planned to allow for the increase in the amount of teams competing in the tournament by changing the group format from eight groups of four to 16 groups of three. However, Infantino has implied that could still be tweaked further, potentially back to the tournament's original format but with added groups to accommodate for the new number of sides.
"We are really convinced of the growth, we have been approving a 48-team format with 16 groups of three, where the top two would move into a knockout phase," he said.
"After this World Cup and the success of the groups of four and looking as well at some other competitions as well, like the Euros, they have been absolutely incredible in the sense that going to the last minute of the last match [to decide] who will go ahead [to the knockout stage].
"So, we have to revisit and discuss if that goes ahead, that is something that will be on the agenda in the next meetings. It is something we need to discuss, whether 16 groups of three or 12 groups of four are better."
The group stage of the Qatar edition of the competition provided plenty of drama, with some surprise names eliminated, including four-time World Cup winners Germany and a Belgium side that included Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku.
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Infantino has been front and centre when it comes to many controversial issues in the build-up and throughout the tournament.
A number of high-profile nations were planning to wear 'One Love' armbands to try and raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community, which is brutally oppressed in Qatar, but pulled the plug on the gesture after pressure from FIFA.
Pressed for comment as to why FIFA banned the armbands, its president said: "There are different cultures, different ways of seeing things. As FIFA, we have to take care of everyone.
"We do not discriminate against anyone on their values and feelings they have, when it comes to regulations and prohibitions... it’s about respecting regulations.
"In the field of play, you play football, and that’s what we did. When it comes to the pitch, you need to respect football, you need to respect the field of play."
Infantino doubled down on FIFA's stance and insisted any political gestures like the armband are ill-advised, as "fans who come to the stadium and the billions watching on TV have their own problems".
He added: "They [fans] just want to spend 90 minutes without having to think about anything else. Just enjoy a little moment of joy."
Infantino was upbeat when the time came to discuss the legacy the tournament will have and how it has altered the perception of Qatar as a nation.
"The Qataris or the Saudis or Emirates have prepared themselves to welcome in the world," he said. "They have opened their houses, their doors, their country, to welcome everyone from everywhere. The main legacy is that those who were here is what is said or thought is not true."
