FIFA World Cup to Expand to 48 Teams
News just emerged that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has backed plans to expand the World Cup to a 48-team format.
The 48 teams would be split into 16 groups of three, 32 would advance to the knock-out stages and the total number of games would remain the same.
@AFP pic.twitter.com/YDJGq8xt6v
— liz m (@itslizbethbtw) 7. Dezember 2016
The 16 additional slots are expected to primarily enable more African and Asian teams to participate. It's not yet clear when the format changes could be introduced, but it's unlikely to see them realized in time for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Are you happy to see the World Cup expand to 48 teams? Share your thoughts below.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
2022/23 Orlando Pirates *BNWT* Icon Shirt (M) Adidas
2019/20 Valencia *BNWT* Stadium Shirt (S) Puma
1995/96 Shonan Bellmare Puma Rain Jacket (S/M)
2012/13 Manchester City Tevez #32 Away Shirt (S) Umbro
2011/12 Torino Home Shirt (M) Kappa
2004/05 AC Milan Inzaghi #9 *Player Issue* Home Shirt (M) Adidas
2001/02 Atletico Madrid *BNWT* Nike Cotton Hand Towel
1976/78 Hamburg L/S Away Shirt (L) Erima
2007/08 Chelsea #13 Third Shorts (XL) Adidas
1995/97 Adidas GK 'Terminator' Template Shirt (S)
Adidas Italy 2026 EQT Retro Collection Leaked
We now have images of the (full) Adidas Italy EQT collection. It includes a track jacket, matching pants, and lifestyle t-shirt.
As part of a wider Originals collection aimed at national teams, this new collection brings a strong 1990s aesthetic back to the modern era. The release highlights the German brand's continuing strategy of mining its extensive design archives to create bespoke, off-pitch apparel for its top-tier federations.
The Adidas Italy EQT collection boasts striking green, white and red geometric blocks, creating 3 stripes.
Adding heavily to the nostalgic appeal, the chest displays a centralized logo arrangement, featuring a classic Adidas wordmark and Trefoil paired with a faithful recreation of the historic Italian Football Federation crest used throughout the early 1990s.
Other Adidas federations will get the same range in their colors.
Figueirense 26-27 Home Kit Released
Brazilian Série C side Figueirense has officially unveiled its new home jersey for the 2026-2027 season, produced by domestic technical partner Volt Sport. The new primary uniform directly follows the recent release of the club's away kit and serves as a major part of the team's ongoing celebrations to mark the 105th anniversary of their founding in 1921.
The Figueirense 26-27 home shirt remains deeply rooted in tradition, featuring the club's classic black and white vertical stripes. However, Volt Sport has elevated the historic aesthetic by deeply embossing the black stripes with commemorative elements that honor the club's 105-year history. The heavily detailed body is framed by solid black sleeves and a matching black block on the back for player numbering. The look is completed by a classic black polo collar and sleeve cuffs, both of which are detailed with ribbed white striping.
Further custom details are integrated throughout the garment, including the phrase "Avante Figueirense, pra frente Furacão" printed along the inner hem.
In a final nod to the milestone year, a special 105th-anniversary seal is applied to the lower right corner of the shirt.
What do you think of this heavily detailed, anniversary-focused Figueirense home kit by Volt? Let us know in the comments below.
