The expansion from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 World Cup could have marked a turning point in the tournament's history. This measure opened the door to the proposal presented by CONMEBOL, which seeks to have a tournament with 64 teams in 2030, in commemoration of the hundredth anniversary of the first edition. Although several federations expressed opposition, a nation with growing influence in international soccer showed support.
The proposal, driven by Alejandro Domínguez, president of the South American entity, reached FIFA for evaluation. However, the immediate rejection by various confederations seemed to bury it. At least, until Saudi Arabia expressed its support, which could influence the final decision of the entity presided over by Gianni Infantino, who has not yet taken a stance on the matter.
Dompinguez confirmó la propuesta en el último Congreso de CONMEBOL
"We are prepared, or we will be. If FIFA makes this decision and believes it is good for everyone, we will be more than happy to respect it," stated the Saudi Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, leaving the door open for his country to continue with CONMEBOL's vision or even realize it if given the green light for 2030.
El Ministro de Deportes saudí estaría de acuerdo con la ampliación si FIFA la propone
Curiously, just a few weeks ago, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had expressed its opposition to a World Cup with 64 teams, calling the idea unfeasible. "If the matter remains open to changes, not only will the door be opened to expand the tournament to 64 teams, but someone could demand increasing the number to 132," expressed President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who may have to discuss with the Saudi Minister of Sports to align positions.
The origin of the proposal
Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF), presented the idea in March during a virtual FIFA Council meeting. Reportedly, the initiative surprised several participants but was well received. Meanwhile, the newspaper The New York Times reported that FIFA confirmed that "the idea was accepted, as FIFA has the duty to analyze any proposal from one of its Council members."
El presidente de la AUF fue quien creó la propuesta
If approved, the expansion would allow "Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to host at least one full group each," thus strengthening their role within a tournament that will also have venues in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Additionally, it would represent a new milestone: the first World Cup in history held across three continents and in six different countries.
