FIFA is considering expanding the World Cup from 32 teams to 40 in 2026, a source inside football's world body said Thursday, as a corruption scandal engulfing the organisation widened with fresh arrests.

The source, who requested anonymity, said the expansion of the tournament was being considered as part of a reform package being presented to FIFA's leadership on Thursday.

The source indicated that the additional eight entries were part of an effort to broaden inclusion in FIFA, which is reeling from the scandal that continues to reverberate across the globe.