In a surprising development, FIFA President Gianni Infantino Meet in New York with Alejandro Domínguezhead of Conmebol, to evaluate the possibility of Expand the FIFA World Cup from 2030 Of the already extensive format of 48 teams (set for 2026) to a groundbreaking 64 National teams. The tournament, which is mainly organized by Spain, Portugal and Moroccoalso contains special group phase competitions in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay To honor the centenary of the first World cup Held in Montevideo in 1930.
The meeting also included important South -American leaders such as Claudio Tapia (Argentinian football club), Ignacio Alonso (Uruguayan Football Association), and Robert Harrison ((Paraguayan Football Association). of the orsisi, Uruguay President, and Santiago PeñaParaguay president, were also present. The football discussion was described as ‘historical’ by Domínguez, who emphasized the ambition of making World Cup 2030 a milestone edition.
According to reports of The nationIt was Infantino himself who strongly supported the meeting and strongly supports the idea of expansion. The World Cup has already grown: the 2026 edition in the United States, Mexico and Canada will contain 48 teams instead of the traditional 32. But taking the jump to 64 would be unprecedented and create a tournament with 128 matchesTwice as much as the 64 games played from 1998 to 2022.
The logic behind the move is clear: more teams mean more global participation, more television income and extensive markets. However, critics claim that the competition can be too diluted, so that the calendar and the tiring players are stretched. Nevertheless, Infantino has traveled extensively, including a recent visit to Morocco and talk to leaders in Asia and AfricaLooking for consensus for the plan.
The first world cup was won by Uruguay, who stood opposite Argentina in the final.
How the format would work
If approved, the 2030 World Cup would provide 16 groups of four teams each. The top two teams of each group would continue to the knock phase, so that one Round of 32. From there, the competition would follow the same elimination model that is known to fans, but with more competitions and possibly higher logistics challenges.
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For ArgentinaThe deployment is particularly symbolic. The country is expected to organize one of the groups, with River Plate’s Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires Allegedly established to organize the opening match of the national team. Uruguay and Paraguay would also organize group games, where Paraguay even built a new stadium to be ready for the tournament on time.
The decision is not yet final, but Domínguez hinted “News that will influence the whole world” In the coming months. If FIFA is progressing, the World Cup 2030 would not only celebrate 100 years of history, but also mark a new era in which worldwide inclusiveness and commercial opportunities redefine the tournament.
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