The 2030 FIFA World Cup could expand from 48 to 64 teams, with CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez saying that work is underway to mark the tournament’s centenary with the biggest World Cup in history.
Domínguez initially appeared to announce the expansion as a confirmed decision in a post on X.
“The next one will be played at home! In 2030, the World Cup will come to Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. A great opportunity for football, to celebrate the centenary of the World Cup with a 64-team tournament,” Domínguez wrote.
The 2030 World Cup will officially be hosted by Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will host several individual matches as part of the centenary celebrations, with the first edition of the tournament having been held in Uruguay in 1930.
Several hours later, Domínguez appeared to clarify his comments, indicating that the 64-team format remains under development.
“We are working to ensure that the 2030 World Cup is played with 64 national teams in honour of the centenary of the World Cup. International football grows when it opens itself up to the world,” the CONMEBOL president wrote.
“The 48-team expansion created more opportunities”
Domínguez argued that the expansion to 48 teams had demonstrated the benefits of increasing participation.
“The expansion to 48 teams has shown that greater participation creates more opportunities, drives the development of football and transforms the World Cup into a truly global celebration,” he said.
He added that the centenary offered “a historic opportunity” to create the biggest celebration football has ever seen.
If approved, the proposal would represent another major expansion of the World Cup just four years after the tournament moves to its 48-team format for the 2026 edition.
A 64-team World Cup in 2030 would therefore mark the largest expansion in the competition’s history, while also transforming the centenary tournament into an unprecedented global event.