CONMEBOL Pushes for 64-Team World Cup in 2030, But FIFA Yet to Decide

The push for a 64-team World Cup in 2030 has intensified after CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez declared the centenary tournament should feature the largest field in history. However, FIFA has yet to confirm the expansion, and key decisions on format and the final venue remain unresolved.

The 64-team proposal

Domínguez wrote on X: "A great opportunity to celebrate the Centenary of the World Cup with a competition with 64 teams" Source: Clarin, El Nacional. He argued that expansion would make the tournament a "true global party" Source: Clarin. However, FIFA sources told Clarín that the organization does not currently plan to expand further, as the 48-team format needs consolidation Source: Clarin. The proposal has support from CONMEBOL and some smaller federations, but UEFA is reportedly opposed Source: El Colombiano.

Unresolved questions

Beyond the number of teams, the final venue is disputed. Spain's Santiago Bernabéu is the favorite, but Morocco is building a 115,000-seat stadium in Casablanca, with some analysts noting the decision will depend on political lobbying Source: ABC.es. Additionally, the exact format remains unclear; with 64 teams, 16 groups of four would simplify the knockout stage Source: Hoy.

Regional implications

For South America, expansion would mean more slots. Mr. Peet warned that "if you can't go to a World Cup with 9.5 slots, don't compete anymore" Source: Infobae. Meanwhile, Dominican Republic sees a path to qualification if the field expands .