Alejandro Dominguez, president of South American soccer’s governing body CONMEBOL and a FIFA vice-president, has reaffirmed his vision for the 2030 World Cup to consist of 64 teams. This expansion, he emphasizes, would be a unique celebration for the tournament’s centenary, commemorating the inaugural World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930.
With the upcoming 2026 World Cup already set to feature a record 48 teams, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Dominguez’s proposal aims to mark a significant milestone by uniting nations in an unprecedented manner. The 2030 tournament is scheduled to take place across six countries and three continents, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay initially hosting one match each, while Morocco, Portugal, and Spain divide the remaining games.
Dominguez believes that an expanded tournament would allow the centennial celebration to resonate with a broader audience. He expressed, “In 100 years, special things must be done… This is an opportunity to do something different, to bring football to more people.” The Paraguayan official called for a discussion on this proposal, asserting his dream of a World Cup with 64 teams as a significant chance to foster global unity through sport.
This expansion idea originated during a FIFA Council meeting in March, proposed by Uruguayan football official Ignacio Alonso. However, it faces notable criticism from various quarters. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has labeled the plan a “bad idea,” suggesting that it could undermine the integrity of both the tournament and regional qualification processes. Similarly, CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani echoed these concerns, arguing that the current 48-team format should be allowed to settle before considering any changes.
FIFA’s stance on the proposal remains open yet cautious, with any alterations needing deliberation and approval from the FIFA council. While Dominguez’s ambition for a 64-team tournament aims to make the 2030 World Cup a historic event, discussions on its feasibility continue. This potential expansion could not only reshape the tournament landscape but also offer an opportunity for South America to showcase football on a grand stage once more, following limited hosting chances in the coming decades.
As the conversation evolves, the quest for inclusivity in football reflects a broader aspiration to harness the sport’s power to unite fans worldwide, with hopes that the 2030 World Cup will embody this spirit of celebration and togetherness.