World football is poised for another major shake-up in 2030, with plans emerging to expand the men’s World Cup to 64 teams and stage its centenary edition across six countries in Europe, South America and Africa.
Alejandro Dominguez, president of South American confederation CONMEBOL, has confirmed that Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will host matches at the 2030 World Cup – and that the tournament is being designed for 64 participating nations. The main part of the competition is due to be played in Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
“In 2030 arrives the World Cup in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, a great opportunity for football, to celebrate the Centenary of the World Cup with a competition with 64 teams,” Dominguez announced on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
His statement effectively turns what had been rumour into a clear indication that world football’s flagship event is heading for another expansion, only four years after the format was enlarged for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
From 48 nations in 2026 to 64 in 2030
The 2026 World Cup broke several records, most notably the number of fixtures. With the competition expanded from 32 to 48 teams, the match count rose from 64 to 104 games.
Spain ultimately emerged as champions, navigating the new structure more successfully than any of their rivals. But despite the enlarged format, global football authorities now appear set on going even further.
Dominguez’s reference to “64 teams” signals a dramatic overhaul that would dwarf previous editions and transform the scale of qualification, logistics and scheduling. It would mark the biggest expansion in World Cup history, far exceeding the traditional 32-team model used from 1998 to 2022.
The suggestion also implies that the 48-team framework used in 2026 is unlikely to be retained, with changes expected as early as the next edition.
Centenary celebrations start where the World Cup began
The 2030 tournament will mark 100 years since the first World Cup was staged in Uruguay in 1930. To commemorate the centenary, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay – all members of CONMEBOL – will stage part of the competition.
Those matches are expected to be symbolic, honouring South America’s central role in the origins of the tournament. Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural World Cup, beating Argentina in the final in Montevideo.
By awarding matches to all three South American nations, organisers aim to underline the historical and cultural significance of the region as football celebrates a century of its biggest event.
Main phase to be played in Portugal, Spain and Morocco
While South America will host the opening segment of the centenary World Cup, the core of the 2030 competition is due to be played across Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
The three-way bid from the Iberian nations and Morocco had already been identified as the main host for 2030. Dominguez’s comments clarify that the South American fixtures will complement – rather than replace – the original plan.
The split format would create a World Cup spanning three continents, involving six host countries and, if confirmed, 64 teams. Such a structure would present unprecedented organisational and travel challenges, but also offer a unique global showcase.
Next steps for Fifa and the global game
Fifa has yet to publish final details of the 2030 World Cup format, including the exact number of teams, group structures and how matches will be distributed between the six hosts.
However, Dominguez’s public confirmation of a 64-team competition strengthens the expectation that the World Cup is set for another major expansion. It raises questions about player workload, calendar congestion and the sporting integrity of an increasingly large tournament.
For now, 2026 stands as the first expanded World Cup, with 48 nations and 104 matches. But if current plans are ratified, the centenary edition in 2030 will surpass even that, reshaping the scale and geography of the world’s biggest football event.
