The 2030 World Cup may feature an expansion to 64 teams, according to CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez. The head of South America's football governing body suggested the change on social media following the conclusion of the first 48-team competition.
Dominguez stated on X that the 2030 tournament, which will be hosted across Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, alongside Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, presents a significant opportunity to celebrate the World Cup's centenary with an expanded field. The current 48-team format introduced a round of 32, with 16 teams eliminated in the group stage. A 64-team World Cup would likely involve 16 groups of four, with the top two teams in each group advancing.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously indicated openness to further expanding the World Cup. During the recent tournament, Infantino told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport that such issues would be examined after the event. He emphasized the importance of organizing the World Cup for the entire globe, not just select regions, and allowing every nation the chance to participate and improve. Infantino pointed to the increasing quality of teams worldwide and the need to provide smaller countries with the incentive to develop, citing the previous tournament's low representation from Africa as an example of why inclusivity is crucial.