CONMEBOL chief proposes 64-team 2030 World Cup expansion

A senior football official has declared his intention to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, a proposal that would mark the second major enlargement of the tournament in eight years but faces significant opposition from other continental leaders. Alejandro Dominguez, president of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), made the assertion in social media posts on July 20 and 21, 2026, framing the expansion as a fitting tribute for the tournament's 100th anniversary.

Dominguez stated that the 2030 World Cup, which will be primarily hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, should feature 64 national teams. He argued that the recent expansion to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament was a success that demonstrated greater participation generates opportunities and boosts football's development globally. "The centenary offers us a historic opportunity to dream big," Dominguez wrote.

However, FIFA has not ratified any expansion. The world governing body's president, Gianni Infantino, confirmed last week that a proposal to increase the tournament to 64 teams will be examined by relevant committees. Infantino praised the 48-team format as a "huge success" but said the...