WASHINGTON, D.C. -- FIFA chief of global football development Arsene Wenger has defended the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, saying it "is the right amount" for a World Cup.

The 2026 edition of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the first that will have 48 teams, after the previous seven editions had 32.

There has been concern that such an increase will make the tournament unwieldy and dilute the quality. But former Arsenal manager Wenger said he is in favor of the increase.

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Speaking at a panel alongside FIFA chief football officer, and former U.S. women's national team

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