In a bold move that could reshape the future of international football, FIFA and CONMEBOL leaders met in New York to discuss expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup from 48 to 64 teams—a proposal that would mark the second major expansion in less than a decade.
The meeting, held at FIFA’s offices in Trump Tower, brought together FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez, and federation leaders from Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Their goal: to pitch a centennial edition of the World Cup that would be bigger, more inclusive, and historically symbolic.
🌍 A Centennial Celebration Across Continents
The 2030 World Cup is already set to be the most geographically diverse tournament in history, spanning six host nations across three continents. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will host the bulk of the matches, while Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay are slated to stage select group-stage games to honor the 100-year anniversary of the inaugural World Cup held in Montevideo in 1930.
Domínguez emphasized the symbolic importance of the centennial edition:
“We believe in a historic 2030 World Cup! Thank you, President Gianni Infantino, for welcoming us and sharing this journey toward the centennial of football's greatest celebration. We want to call for unity, creativity, and believing big. Because when football is shared by everyone, the celebration is truly global.”
📈 From 32 to 48… to 64?
The World Cup format has evolved steadily over the decades:
1998–2022: 32 teams
2026 (USA, Mexico, Canada): 48 teams
2030 (proposed): 64 teams
If approved, the 2030 edition would feature 128 matches—double the number played in previous tournaments. The proposed format includes 16 groups of four teams, with the top two advancing to a Round of 32, followed by traditional knockout stages.
🇸🇦 Political and Regional Implications
One of the driving forces behind the proposal is CONMEBOL’s desire to guarantee qualification for all 10 of its member nations. Venezuela, the only South American country never to qualify for a World Cup, would benefit from the expanded format.
The presidents of Uruguay and Paraguay attended the summit, while Argentina’s president was absent due to separate diplomatic meetings. Still, the Argentine FA was well represented, with Claudio Chiqui Tapia stating:
“It was truly a pleasure to have represented our country at this important meeting. We are family and we have done our part to request this meeting so our dream can become reality.”
⚖️ Mixed Reactions from Global Football Leaders
While South America is united behind the proposal, not everyone is on board. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has publicly criticized the idea, calling it “a bad idea” and warning that it could dilute the quality of play and undermine the integrity of the qualification process.
Critics also point to logistical challenges:
Increased travel across continents
Scheduling strain on players and clubs
Potential devaluation of group-stage matches
However, proponents argue that the expansion would boost global participation, increase revenue, and make the tournament more inclusive.
💰 Commercial Incentives
Behind the scenes, the push for expansion is also driven by commercial logic. More teams mean:
More broadcast rights
More ticket sales
More sponsorship opportunities
Greater reach in emerging football markets
Infantino has reportedly been lobbying across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to build consensus for the plan.
🧮 What Happens Next?
FIFA has not yet made a final decision. The proposal is under review, and a formal vote could take place in early 2026. If approved, the 2030 World Cup would become the largest sporting event ever staged in terms of participating nations and matches played.
Domínguez hinted at “news that will impact the entire world” in the coming months.
🗣️ Final Thoughts
The 2030 World Cup is already historic in scope. Expanding it to 64 teams would be a seismic shift—one that could redefine the tournament’s identity for generations. Whether it’s a celebration of football’s global reach or a logistical overreach remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: FIFA and CONMEBOL are thinking big. And the world is watching.
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