The 2022 World Cup in Qatar could become a 48-team tournament.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has called for the expansion – which could see matches being played in the other Gulf states.
The increase to 32 teams for 2026 was voted in last January by football’s world governing body but the South American confederation Conmebol have asked for that to be brought forward.
Fifa will conduct their own study to determine if the plan - which would involve Qatar hosting a further 16 matches - is feasible.
After attending a Conmebol meeting in Buenos Aires, Infantino said: "It seems to me a very interesting idea.
"We have to study it seriously and if it is possible, why not?
"I firmly believe in an enlargement because I am convinced that it is good for the development of football. That is why we have proposed it and that is why we have agreed to it since 2026."
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