The president of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), Alejandro Domínguez, dropped a bombshell in sports circles by announcing that the 2030 World Cup will see a historic expansion to include 64 teams.

Historically, the World Cup featured 16 teams, before expanding to 24 teams in 1982, then to 32 teams starting from the 1998 edition, while the 2026 edition will be the largest in history with 48 teams participating.

Alejandro Domínguez confirmed via his social media accounts that the 2030 World Cup will be held with 64 teams, marking the centenary of the tournament.

These developments come at a time when the tournament will feature a unique format, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay hosting individual matches, while the rest of the competition will be jointly organized by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.

It is certain that this potential expansion to 64 teams will have a direct and inevitable impact on the qualification system for the World Cup.

The president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, had already hinted at this idea, stating that they 'will study this matter after' the conclusion of the edition to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Infantino stated: 'When organizing the World Cup, it is important to organize it for the whole world, not just for Europe and South America, but for the entire world. Every country must be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup.'

The next one is played at home! In 2030 comes the World Cup of Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, A great opportunity for football, to celebrate the Centenary of the World Cup with a competition with 64 teams pic.twitter.com/ocIjHYCN5f

— Alejandro Domínguez (@agdws) July 20, 2026