CONMEBOL president backtracks on World Cup with 64 teams
According to Vi.
Context
Alejandro Domínguez, as president of CONMEBOL and vice-president of FIFA, plays a crucial role in decisions about the future of South American football. His recent statement on the 2030 World Cup reflects the historical importance of the tournament and the need for a careful approach to its expansion, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.
Why this matters
The proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, in celebration of the competition's centenary, highlights CONMEBOL's ambition to raise the profile of the tournament. This expansion could not only increase competitiveness, but also provide a platform for the development of football in South America, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching, which has already demonstrated the benefits of an expanded format.
Main conclusions
- CONMEBOL President retreats over the World Cup with 64 teams.
- Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL, backtracked on his statement about the 2030 World Cup, which could include 64 teams.
- CONMEBOL-baas krabbelt terug na bericht about WK met 64 teams.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez caused quite a stir on Monday night when he suggested that the 2030 World Cup, to be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, could feature 64 teams. This statement appeared one day after the 2022 World Cup final and was widely publicized by the international press. Domínguez saw the opportunity as a way to celebrate the centenary of the competition, which had its first edition in 1930, in Uruguay.
The idea of expanding the number of participants from 48 to 64 teams was initially supported by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who also reiterated that the possibility of such an expansion is being considered. This announcement by Domínguez quickly gained prominence in the media, leading to speculation about the future of the tournament.
However, in a new publication on platform X, Domínguez made a reservation about his previous statement, emphasizing that there is still no official confirmation. "We are working hard to ensure that the 2030 World Cup is played with 64 teams in honor of the tournament's centenary," he wrote. He added that the centenary of the World Cup represents a historic chance to dream big.
The expansion from 48 to 64 teams, according to Domínguez, can bring several opportunities and contribute to the development of football, transforming the World Cup into a true global festival. "The 2026 World Cup demonstrated that expansion allows the competitiveness and diversity of participating teams to increase, making the tournament an event of great magnitude. We hope that the next World Cup will be the greatest celebration of football of all time", he concluded.
With these statements, it is clear that the possibility of a World Cup with 64 teams is still under discussion, and CONMEBOL is pushing for this idea to come to fruition. However, FIFA has not yet officially commented on the matter, and expectations increase as the tournament's centenary approaches.
Domínguez's proposal could be a way to increase the prestige of the tournament and provide more opportunities for countries that want to participate, reflecting the evolution of football at a global level and the growing inclusion of teams from different confederations.
What happens next
With Alejandro Domínguez's statement, the expectation is that FIFA will evaluate the viability of the expansion before any official confirmation. Discussion over the format of the tournament could continue to generate speculation, especially as the 2026 World Cup approaches, which will serve as a testbed for the inclusion of more teams in future competitions. CONMEBOL and FIFA must work together to ensure the 2030 World Cup is a memorable event.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the 2030 World Cup proposal?
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez suggested that the 2030 World Cup could feature 64 teams, but later made a reservation, stating that there is still no official confirmation.
Who confirmed the possibility of 64 teams in the World Cup?
The possibility of expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams was initially supported by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Why is the 64-team proposal being considered now?
The proposal is being considered as a way to celebrate the centenary of the competition, which had its first edition in 1930, in Uruguay.
What changes could occur in the 2030 World Cup?
The proposed change is to expand the number of participants from 48 to 64 teams, which could increase the competitiveness and diversity of participating teams.
What is Domínguez's vision for the 2030 World Cup?
Domínguez believes that the 2030 World Cup can be a great celebration of football and an event of great magnitude, transforming it into a true global festival.