South America proposes 64-team World Cup in the future with a view to eliminate qualifying in South America.
South America soccer’s ruling body Conmebol, made an official proposal on Thursday to expand the men’s 2030 World Cup to 64.
Fifa is aware of the plan, which was initially presented by a Uruguayan representative at an online meeting of the world football governing body’s ruling council last March.
With six host countries dispersed over three continents, the 2030 World Cup is already expected to be the most expansive edition. Its predecessor, the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is expected to be the first with a 48-team field that has already been enlarged.
Since eight of the twelve third-place teams in the 2026 expansion advanced to the knockout round, there is already criticism that the group stage is undervalued. The top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stage in a 32-team format.
Uruguay will host a World Cup match in 2030 after hosting the first one in 1930. Co-hosts are Argentina, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Paraguay.
“We are convinced that the centennial celebration will be unique because 100 years are celebrated only once,” Domínguez said during his opening speech at Conmebol’s 80th Ordinary Congress.
“That is why we are proposing, for the first time, to hold this anniversary with 64 teams, on three continents simultaneously,” added Domínguez.
“This will allow all countries to have the opportunity to live the world experience and so nobody on the planet is left out of the party,” added Domínguez.