World Cup 2030: Toward a 64-team tournament

The 2030 World Cup could make history with a groundbreaking format. CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez announced that the centenary edition of the tournament will feature 64 teams, up from the initially planned 48.

The 2030 World Cup is expected to bring together 64 teams, a first in the history of the tournament. This announcement was made by CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez, who explained that this exceptional format is part of the centenary celebrations for the World Cup. The tournament will kick off in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, where the opening commemorative matches will be played, before moving on to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, the three main host nations for the bulk of the competition.

On his X account, the CONMEBOL leader described this edition as a "great opportunity for football," emphasizing the symbolic significance of a World Cup held across two continents to mark the centenary of the event.

A new format on the horizon

If this announcement is confirmed by FIFA, the 2030 World Cup would feature 64 teams divided into 16 groups of four. This format would eliminate the best third-placed teams, unlike the 48-team format adopted for the 2026 World Cup.

Such a reform would grant more spots to the various confederations. Africa, in particular, could see its quota rise to 13 or 14 representatives, in addition to Morocco, which is already automatically qualified as a host country.

Alejandro Domínguez's announcement has already sparked numerous reactions throughout the football world. However, FIFA has yet to officially confirm this format change. The world governing body will need to give its final approval to officially establish a 64-team World Cup in 2030.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.