The number of teams competing at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup will increase to 16 to accommodate a higher standard of play from nations outside the traditional superpowers.

Since the 2013 tournament, which was hosted by England and Wales, 14 teams have entered the competition. The further increase will see the tournament format expand to four pools of four.

“The strength of the 2017 World Cup qualifiers to date, across the continents, has shown a significant increase in the playing standard and quality and the newly adopted international calendar will ensure that teams will have a minimum of 15 months prior to the 2021 event to stake their claim,” said Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) chief executive David Collier.

He added: “The World Cup is the pinnacle and we are already receiving expressions of interest to run the 2021 events in world class facilities, to provide the players and supporters with the highest possible experience.”

England is one of the nations staking its claim to be the host of the 2021 tournament after declaring its interest last November.

The bidding process closes in June 2016, with the winner being revealed by the RLIF at the end of the year.

In addition, the 2021 Women’s World Cup – which will run concurrently – will be increased from the four teams that will compete in 2017 to six teams in 2021.