New Delhi: The president of South American soccer’s ruling body, Conmebol Alejandro Dominguez, made an official proposal to expand the men’s 2030 World Cup to 64 teams. FIFA is aware of the proposal, which was first introduced by a delegate from Uruguay last March during an online meeting of the ruling council of world soccer’s governing body.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup is already set to be the most unique edition, with six host countries spread across three continents- Spain, Portugal and Morocco. However, the opening matches are set to be held in South American countries Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay as a symbolic tribute to the tournament’s centenary.
This upcoming edition follows the expanded 2026 format, set to feature 48 teams for the first time. Yet, South American football’s governing body, Conmebol, is now advocating for an even larger tournament in 2030, aiming to celebrate 100 years since the first World Cup with greater global participation.
At Conmebol’s recent congress, president Alejandro Dominguez emphasised the importance of inclusivity, stating that the goal is for every nation to be part of the “global party” and experience the World Cup spirit. “The centenary is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it deserves to be marked in a way that includes as many as possible,” he noted.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who attended the congress, acknowledged the historical significance of the 2030 edition, calling it an “exceptional milestone.” However, the plan has also sparked criticism. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin expressed his disapproval earlier this month, calling the proposal “a bad idea” and noting his surprise at the concept.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said a push to expand the men’s 2030 FIFA World Cup is “a bad idea.”
Adding 16 more teams to the 48-team lineup that will debut next year in North America appears to have support from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who typically backs… pic.twitter.com/fjHmRCC1lJ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 3, 2025
The 2030 World Cup will mark the first time the competition will be played across three continents. While Spain, Morocco, and Portugal were officially selected as co-hosts in 2024, additional matches in South American nations — including one in Uruguay, the winners of the inaugural tournament in 1930 — will pay homage to the origins of football’s most prestigious event.
FIFA’s take on the expansion
FIFA has yet to issue an official response regarding the expansion proposal. If FIFA approves the move, it would create a tournament of 128 matches, doubling the 64-game format that has been in play from 1998 through 2022.
South America proposes expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams with 128 matches, marking a grand centenary celebration across three continents. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
