Speaking at the Leaders Sport Business Summit here today, the Canadian, elected to lead the governing body in May, stated that expanding the competition would lead to the sport's growth in some countries.

"I think it is pretty obvious that the tournament will not stay at 32 teams," he said.

"It probably should be expanded, yes.

"For some countries to just dream of making it into a World Cup provides a platform for growth in the sport and in sponsorship and I think it is an opportunity that cannot be missed."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed expanding the World Cup to 48 countries - eight more than he originally suggested in his election manifesto.

Infantino claimed the change could come in for the 2026 edition, with a final decision due to be made by FIFA’s ruling Council in January.

Under the plans, 16 of the 48 nations would exit the World Cup after one knockout round.

The remaining countries would then compete in the same format as the current tournament, with the 32 teams taking part in a group stage followed by a knockout phase.

While groups such as the European Club Association rejected the idea, it would have gone down well with the Confederations, many of whom have often felt aggrieved at the amount of World Cup places they are given.

Almost a quarter of FIFA’s membership, which grew to 211 at the organisation’s Congress in May with the additions of Gibraltar and Kosovo, would compete at the World Cup if the plans are approved.

The host nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be decided in May 2020 following the conclusion of a four-phase bidding process,

Montagliani was also asked about the possibility of one of the country's in his Confederation hosting the tournament, an idea he was quick to support.

The United States have already emerged as early favourites for the 2026 tournament, while Montagliani's native Canada are also expected to enter the race.

Montagliani admitted, however, there would be an "opportunity for a regional bid" from the CONCACAF countries.

"I think it is time that the World Cup does return to CONCACAF," he added.

"We have not had it since 1994 and we are a region that is both rich in football and market standpoint.

"We have three countries that have the ability to put on the World Cup on their own and there may be an opportunity for a regional bid when FIFA releases its rules and regulations on that early next year."