Overview
- CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez publicly urged a 64‑team tournament for 2030 on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, framing the move as a centenary celebration that would broaden global participation.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino said relevant committees will examine further expansion after the 2026 World Cup and any change would require technical analysis and a formal FIFA Council vote.
- The 2030 hosting plan already gives automatic qualification to six nations — Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay — which would complicate how the extra berths are allocated.
- Analysts and critics warn a jump to 64 teams would raise the number of matches from about 104 to roughly 128, lengthen the event, increase travel and stadium demands, and escalate player fatigue risks.
- Supporters point to surprise results from the 2026 48‑team World Cup as evidence expansion aids development, while UEFA, CONCACAF and other stakeholders have expressed concerns, leaving the proposal politically contested.