Future World Cups could have as many as 48 teams competing in them should Luis Figo be elected as the next president of FIFA.

The current format sees 32 nations take part in the finals, without just short of half coming from Europe. 

In 2014, thirteen teams from UEFA qualified for the World Cup in Brazil, with six involved from South America, five from Africa, four from Asia and four from North and Central America's CONCACAF.

Former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Portugal winger Figo, who is involved in May's election to be the next head of world football, says increasing the number of teams would not necessarily make for a much longer, more drawn out tournament.

"This option is feasible with an extra three or four days of tournament play. If this expansion were to take place, I believe that additional teams should come from non-European nations," he said.