2030 World Cup to have 64 teams, says CONMEBOL President
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The president of South American football confederation CONMEBOL, Alejandro Domínguez, has claimed that 64 teams will participate in the 2030 World Cup. Although FIFA has not yet made any official decision on the matter, his comment has reignited discussions about expanding the World Cup.
Domínguez wrote on social media platform X, "In 2030, the World Cup returns to Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the centenary of the World Cup, and it should be done through a 64-team World Cup."
The main hosts of the 2030 World Cup are Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. However, to mark the centenary, the opening three matches will be held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Earlier, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had stated that after hosting the first 48-team World Cup in 2026, the possibility of further expansion would be considered in the future. He said, "This is certainly a matter that will be discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup."
According to Infantino, the World Cup is not just for Europe or South America but for the entire world. Therefore, smaller nations should also be given the opportunity to dream of participating, which would encourage the development of their football.
If a 64-team World Cup is implemented, the total number of matches in the tournament would increase to 128 — double that of the old 32-team format. Under a potential format, there would be 16 groups of four teams each, with 96 matches in the group stage alone.
However, hosting such a large tournament could stretch the competition's duration to approximately six weeks. This could spark new debates regarding club football schedules, player rest, and the burden of additional matches.
Various FIFA committees will review the matter. Subsequently, a final decision on the format for the 2030 World Cup may be announced at the FIFA Congress.
