🏆 CONMEBOL Wants 64 Teams for 2030 World Cup: A Centennial Celebration Across Continents
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay — In a stunning and ambitious proposal, CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez has called for the 2030 FIFA World Cup to expand to 64 teams, citing the tournament’s centennial as a once-in-a-lifetime moment to reshape global football history.
Speaking at the 80th CONMEBOL Congress, Domínguez urged FIFA to take the bold step, turning the already expanded 48-team format into a truly global celebration.
“One hundred years are celebrated only once,” Domínguez said. “This should be the most inclusive World Cup ever — held across three continents, with 64 nations.”
🌐 The Vision: Three Continents, Six Hosts, One Global Party
The 2030 World Cup already promises to be unprecedented in scale:
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Hosts: Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal, Morocco
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Continents: South America, Europe, and Africa
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Symbolism: The tournament returns to Uruguay, the site of the first World Cup in 1930
CONMEBOL’s expansion proposal would:
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Add 16 more teams beyond the approved 48
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Significantly increase match count (up from 104 to ~128)
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Virtually guarantee qualification for all 10 South American nations, including Venezuela
💰 Why It Matters: Legacy, Money & Inclusion
Domínguez framed the plan as about global inclusion, but it also carries major strategic and financial stakes:
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Boost commercial revenue and media rights deals
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Expand South American participation
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Strengthen centennial branding for CONMEBOL and FIFA
“Nobody on the planet should be left out of the party,” he said.
❌ UEFA Pushes Back: “It’s a Bad Idea”
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin was quick to dismiss the proposal:
“A 64-team World Cup would dilute the competition,” he warned.
Critics argue the plan:
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Undermines qualifying integrity
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Creates logistical nightmares across time zones
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Increases travel fatigue and reduces rest for players
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Adds strain on broadcasters and fans planning to follow the tournament
🕹️ What Will FIFA Do?
FIFA has already committed to the 48-team World Cup in 2026 (hosted by USA, Mexico, and Canada) and hasn’t publicly commented on this new 64-team pitch.
Any further expansion would:
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Require FIFA Council approval
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Trigger a complete overhaul of scheduling and structure
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Possibly provoke tension with confederations like UEFA and the AFC
⚖️ A Global Flashpoint: Football’s Future or Football’s Folly?
Domínguez insists the World Cup should reflect “what the sport has become — a global celebration.” But the growing friction between symbolism and practicality may determine whether this proposal is realized.
Is this FIFA’s chance to make history? Or is it a step too far?
