The 2022 World Cup will revert back to a 32-team format after Fifa scrapped a proposal to expand the tournament to 48 teams.
Fifa had been exploring if logistical and political complexities could be overcome to expand the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, which would have required at least one more country being used in the Persian Gulf to accommodate an additional 16 matches in the region.
The Times and Associated Press had earlier reported that Fifa had decided such an expansion would be unfeasible, and world football's governing body confirmed as such on Wednesday evening.
A Fifa statement read: "In line with the conclusions of the feasibility study approved by the Fifa Council at its last meeting, Fifa and Qatar have jointly explored all possibilities to increase the number of participant teams from 32 to 48 teams by involving neighbouring countries at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
"Following a thorough and comprehensive consultation process with the involvement of all the relevant stakeholders, it was concluded that under the current circumstances such a proposal could not be made now.
"Additionally, Fifa and Qatar have once again explored the feasibility of Qatar hosting a 48-team tournament by in particular lowering certain key Fifa requirements.
"A joint analysis, in this respect, concluded that due to the advanced stage of preparations and the need for a detailed assessment of the potential logistical impact on the host country, more time would be required and a decision could not be taken before the deadline of June. It was therefore decided not to further pursue this option.
"The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will therefore remain as originally planned with 32 teams and no proposal will be submitted at the next FIFA Congress on 5 June."
The World Cup is due to become a 48-team tournament in 2026 when it is hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Additional reporting by the Associated Press.
