CONMEBOL President Reveals Expansion Plans
Alejandro Dominguez, president of South American football confederation CONMEBOL, has stated on X that the 2030 FIFA World Cup will be a 64-team tournament. This announcement comes despite no official confirmation from FIFA, suggesting a major change to the next World Cup has been leaked.
2030 World Cup Hosts and Centenary Celebrations
The 2030 edition will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to mark the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup. A special match will be held at Montevideo's Estadio Centenario, the venue for the 1930 final, with one match each in Buenos Aires and Asuncion.
Infantino's Stance on Further Expansion
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously indicated that the governing body would consider expanding the World Cup beyond 48 teams. He told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport: "This is certainly an issue that will be looked at and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup." Infantino emphasized the importance of giving every nation a chance to participate, stating, "Every nation should be able to dream of taking part in the World Cup."
Impact of a 64-Team Format
A 64-team World Cup would involve 128 matches, 24 more than the 2026 tournament (which had 104 matches) and double the 64 matches played under the 32-team format used from 1998 to 2022. The 2026 World Cup, which concluded with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time, was the first to feature 48 teams.
