The 2030 World Cup, set to celebrate the tournament’s centenary, is at the heart of a dispute between Conmebol and FIFA. The South American confederation, led by Alejandro Domínguez, proposed expanding the championship to 64 teams, aiming for more games in South America, but the idea faces resistance. The competition will be primarily hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the first three matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, as a tribute to the inaugural 1930 edition held in Uruguay. The proposal, presented in April 2025, was poorly received by entities like UEFA and Concacaf, which question the technical and logistical feasibility. FIFA, cautious after expanding to 48 teams in 2026, signals that a further increase is not a priority.
FIFA’s resistance reflects concerns about the tournament’s quality. The organization believes a 64-team World Cup could dilute the technical level and require robust infrastructure across six countries on three continents. Conmebol, however, sees the expansion as a chance to boost South America’s global relevance, especially in the centenary context.
The South American proposal includes:
- A one-time expansion to 64 teams for 2030.
- Hosting at least one full group in South America.
- Celebrating the centenary with greater nation inclusion.
Despite the initial setback, Conmebol has not abandoned the plan and is seeking support behind the scenes, avoiding public campaigns to not pressure FIFA directly.
Origin of the proposal and historical context
The idea to expand the 2030 World Cup first emerged in March 2025, during a FIFA Council meeting, when Ignácio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, suggested the increase. The proposal gained traction at Conmebol’s 80th Congress in April, when Alejandro Domínguez advocated for 64 teams as a unique centenary celebration. He emphasized making the tournament accessible to more countries, reinforcing football’s global nature.
The 1930 World Cup, held in Uruguay, was the tournament’s starting point, with only 13 teams, mostly from South America. The event, won by the hosts, established football as a sport capable of uniting nations. The choice of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay for the 2030 opening matches reflects this legacy, but Conmebol wants to go further, expanding South America’s presence in the tournament.
FIFA’s resistance is not new. In 2016, when the expansion to 48 teams was approved for 2026, there were heated debates about the impact on the calendar and match quality. The current proposal, which would double the number of participants compared to the 1998-2022 format, faces similar but larger-scale challenges.
Logistical and technical concerns
Expanding the World Cup to 64 teams would require unprecedented logistical planning. The 2030 tournament is already complex, involving six countries across three continents, with 20 confirmed stadiums: 11 in Spain, six in Morocco, and three in Portugal, plus three in South America. Including more teams would demand:
- An increase in matches, from 104 to about 130.
- Additional stadiums or upgrades to existing arenas.
- Coordination of intercontinental travel for players and fans.
- Calendar adjustments, already tight due to regional competitions.
UEFA, representing European federations, expressed concerns about the tournament’s technical level. With more teams, less traditional football nations could participate, potentially reducing competitiveness, according to some. Concacaf, overseeing football in North, Central America, and the Caribbean, also fears logistical challenges, especially after hosting the 2026 World Cup with 48 teams.
FIFA prioritizes financial and sporting sustainability. The 2026 edition, with 104 matches, already marks a significant increase from the previous 64-game format. An even larger 2030 tournament could overburden organizers and sponsors, besides sparking criticism over excessive commercialization.
Conmebol’s strategy
Alejandro Domínguez, Conmebol’s president since 2016, has taken a bold stance to strengthen South American influence in global football. His 64-team proposal reflects not only the desire to celebrate the centenary but also to enhance South America’s prominence. During the FIFA Congress in Asunción in May 2025, he avoided directly mentioning the expansion but used an emotional speech to highlight South American football’s relevance.
The confederation plans to continue negotiations behind closed doors, seeking allies among other continental federations. The strategy includes:
- Dialogue with the African Football Confederation (CAF), which could benefit from more slots.
- Presenting feasibility studies to convince FIFA.
- Mobilizing South American federations to push for more regional matches.
Despite the optimism, Conmebol faces an unfavorable scenario. FIFA, led by Gianni Infantino, has indicated that the priority is consolidating the 48-team format before considering further expansions. Resistance from UEFA and Concacaf, which hold significant decision-making power, is also a major hurdle.
Impact on South America
Hosting the three opening matches in South America is already a victory for Conmebol. The Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, site of the 1930 final, will kick off the tournament, while the Monumental de Núñez in Buenos Aires and the new Osvaldo Domínguez Dibb Stadium in Asunción will host the other games. These events will put Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay in the global spotlight, boosting tourism and local economies.
The proposal to host an entire group in South America, however, would require additional infrastructure investments. Paraguay, for instance, is building the Olímpia stadium, named after Alejandro Domínguez’s father, to meet FIFA standards. Argentina plans renovations at the Monumental, while Uruguay is banking on modernizing the historic Centenario.
Conmebol argues that expanding to 64 teams would bring economic and social benefits to the region, besides reinforcing South America’s football passion. The confederation highlights that the continent, home to legends like Pelé, Maradona, and Messi, deserves a central role in the centenary celebration.
What to expect moving forward
FIFA has not entirely closed the door on Conmebol’s proposal, but the final decision will depend on technical studies and political negotiations. The organization plans future meetings to assess the expansion’s feasibility, though the current mood suggests caution. The 2026 World Cup experience, the first with 48 teams, will serve as a benchmark for 2030 decisions.
Meanwhile, Conmebol keeps up the pressure behind the scenes, aware that the centenary is a unique opportunity. The confederation bets on the emotional weight of the historic milestone to gain support but must overcome technical and political resistances. The future of the 2030 World Cup, with 48 or 64 teams, will be shaped in the coming years, balancing tradition, innovation, and pragmatism.