Fri Apr 11 12:04:13 UTC 2025: ## CONMEBOL Proposes 64-Team 2030 World Cup, Sparking Debate
**Montevideo, Uruguay** – CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez has formally proposed expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, a move that would dramatically reshape the tournament and has already drawn criticism from European football officials. The proposal, submitted to FIFA, seeks to make the centennial celebration of the World Cup a truly global event, held across three continents: South America, Europe, and Africa.
The 2030 World Cup is already scheduled to be hosted by six nations: Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Dominguez argues that a 64-team tournament, played simultaneously across these three continents, would provide a unique and memorable experience, ensuring participation from all ten CONMEBOL member nations, including Venezuela, which has never qualified.
“This will allow all countries to have the opportunity to live the world experience,” Dominguez stated. The expansion would nearly double the number of matches from 64 to 128.
While FIFA President Gianni Infantino has a history of advocating for larger tournaments, the proposal has been met with resistance. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has labeled the idea “a bad idea,” echoing concerns from critics who warn of diluted competition and devalued qualifying processes. The 2026 World Cup will already see an expansion to 48 teams.
The decision on whether to approve the 64-team proposal rests with FIFA. The outcome will significantly impact the future of the World Cup, potentially altering its format, competitiveness, and global reach.
First Piper 