CONMEBOL claims 2030 World Cup will feature 64 teams, FIFA still reviewing proposal

The Confederation of South American Football (CONMEBOL) has proposed a significant expansion of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, suggesting an increase to 64 participating teams. CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez announced the proposal, coinciding with the first World Cup to feature 48 teams in 2026.

Dominguez expressed his enthusiasm for the idea on social media platform X, highlighting the 2030 tournament's significance as it marks the 100th anniversary of the World Cup. "The next match will be played at home! In 2030, the World Cup will come to Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, a great opportunity for football, to celebrate the World Cup Centennial with a competition featuring 64 teams," he wrote.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated that the organization is receptive to reviewing potential new formats for the tournament. While FIFA has officially designated Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as the primary hosts for the 2030 World Cup, the centenary celebration will also include opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, countries with deep historical ties to the tournament's origins.

If approved, the 64-team format would represent another expansion after the increase from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 World Cup. A likely structure for 64 teams would involve 16 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to a 32-team knockout stage. FIFA has stated that all format options will be discussed after the conclusion of the 2026 tournament.

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The next match will be played at home! In 2030, the World Cup will come to Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, a great opportunity for football, to celebrate the World Cup Centennial with a competition featuring 64 teams.