In a bold move to commemorate the centennial of the FIFA World Cup, South America has proposed a significant expansion of the 2030 tournament to 64 teams across three continents.
The announcement was made by Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL (the South American Football Confederation), during his opening remarks at the 80th Ordinary Congress of the organization.
A Historic Celebration on a Global Stage
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will mark 100 years since the first tournament was held in Uruguay in 1930. According to Domínguez, this milestone deserves an unprecedented celebration:
“We believe the 100-year anniversary should be celebrated in a way never seen before,” said Domínguez. “That’s why we are proposing, for the first time, a World Cup with 64 teams across three continents.”
Why This Matters
The proposal isn’t just about expanding participation; it reflects football’s growing global unity and the desire to honor the history of the World Cup.
Proposed Co-Host Nations
As it stands, the 2030 FIFA World Cup is set to be co-hosted by six countries spread across three continents:
- Uruguay (South America) – Scheduled to host the opening match
- Paraguay and Argentina (South America)
- Spain and Portugal (Europe)
- Morocco (Africa)
This wide-ranging geographical involvement underscores FIFA’s aim for global inclusion and visibility.
Read more about FIFA’s plans for 2030 on the official FIFA website
Evolution of the World Cup Format
The FIFA World Cup has seen a steady evolution in team participation:
- In 2022, Qatar hosted a 32-team tournament
- By 2026, the tournament—jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada—will feature 48 teams
- The 2030 proposal seeks to take it a step further with 64 teams
This would significantly increase global participation, allowing more countries from developing football regions to showcase their talent on the world stage.
Related Post
Read more about FIFA’s expansion strategy and how it affects African countries in our post: African Nations in FIFA’s World Cup Plans for 2030
Why the 64-Team Expansion Could Benefit the Sport
- Greater inclusivity for smaller footballing nations
- Increased economic activity across host nations
- Higher global viewership and sponsorship potential
- Historical significance in marking a century of international football
This proposal could also boost tourism and infrastructure development across multiple continents.
Looking Ahead
While the idea of a 64-team World Cup in 2030 is still under review, it has sparked excitement and debate among fans, federations, and stakeholders. Should FIFA approve this expansion, it could be the most ambitious tournament ever staged in football history.
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