In a shocking move across the world of football, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez has made a bombshell announcement claiming that the 2030 FIFA World Cup will increase from a proposed 48 teams to a total of 64 participating teams. During a statement released to social media after the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament concluded, Alejandro Domínguez said that, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup, this milestone will be expanded significantly for this monumental occasion. It is expected that the 2030 FIFA World Cup will get underway in South America with opening matches being played out across Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, with the rest of the tournament’s action taking place primarily in host venues in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Although FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that governing committees are still discussing the bid, the football community at large remains split on what will be a format change. Below you can find all details surrounding the World Cup, venue proposals and official responses in relation to this recent news.
🚨 𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez has announced that the 2030 FIFA World Cup will have 64 participating teams, not 48.
He also adds that the kickoff of the tournament will be in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay in commemoration of the World… pic.twitter.com/lM2YN1ZkHZ
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 20, 2026
Alejandro Domínguez Statement On Centennial Tournament Expansion
CONMEBOL chief Alejandro Domínguez released an official statement asserting that the 2030 FIFA World Cup will break all historic participation records. The South American executive emphasised that expanding the event to 64 teams provides a unique opportunity to unite the football world during its centennial celebration. Alejandro Domínguez posted on X:
“The next one will be played at home! In 2030, the World Cup is coming to Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. It will be a great opportunity for soccer and a chance to celebrate the World Cup centenary with a 64-team competition.”
Multi Continent Host Nations And Match Structure
The 2030 FIFA World Cup is already set to become the most geographically sprawling tournament in sports history, spanning three continents and six host countries. Under the existing agreement, the inaugural centennial matches will take place in Montevideo, Buenos Aires, and Asunción to honour the first World Cup played in Uruguay back in 1930.
Following the opening celebrations in South America, the remaining group matches and knockout stages will shift to primary hosts Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. If approved, expanding the tournament from 48 to 64 teams would double the traditional 64-match template used before 2026 into a massive 128-match marathon.
