In a stunning growth, FIFA president Gianni Infantino met in New York with Alejandro Domínguez, head of CONMEBOL, to guage the potential of increasing the 2030 FIFA World Cup from the already expanded 48-team format (set for 2026) to a groundbreaking 64 nationwide groups. The match, which might be hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, additionally contains particular group-stage matches in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to honor the centennial of the primary World Cup held in Montevideo in 1930.
The assembly additionally included key South American leaders comparable to Claudio Tapia (Argentina), Ignacio Alonso (Uruguay), and Robert Harrison (Paraguay). Absent was Argentine president Javier Milei, who was in a separate assembly with Donald Trump, Yamandú Ordsi, Uruguay president, and Santiago Peña, Paraguay president had been current. Regardless of political absences, the soccer dialogue was described as “historic” by Domínguez, who harassed the ambition of creating World Cup 2030 a landmark version.
In accordance with reviews from La Nación, it was Infantino himself who pushed for the assembly and strongly helps the thought of growth. The World Cup has already grown as soon as: the 2026 version within the United States, Mexico, and Canada will characteristic 48 groups as an alternative of the standard 32. However taking the leap to 64 could be unprecedented, making a match with 128 matches, twice as many because the 64 video games performed from 1998 to 2022.
The logic behind the transfer is obvious: extra groups imply extra international participation, extra tv income, and expanded markets. Nevertheless, critics argue the competitors may turn into too diluted, stretching the calendar and exhausting gamers. Nonetheless, Infantino has been touring extensively, together with a current go to to Morocco and talks with leaders in Asia and Africa, trying to construct consensus for the plan.
The primary World Cup was gained by Uruguay, who confronted Argentina within the closing.
How the format would work
If authorised, the 2030 World Cup would characteristic 16 teams of 4 groups every. The highest two groups from each group would transfer on to the knockout stage, making a Spherical of 32. From there, the competitors would observe the identical elimination mannequin acquainted to followers, however with extra matches and probably greater logistical challenges.
see additionally
Messi’s Argentina vs Mexico in Las Vegas? Potential date emerges forward of 2026 World Cup
For Argentina, the stakes are significantly symbolic. The nation is anticipated to host one of many teams, with River Plate’s Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires reportedly set to stage the nationwide workforce’s opening match. Uruguay and Paraguay would additionally host group video games, with Paraguay even constructing a brand new stadium to be prepared in time for the match.
The choice will not be closing but, however Domínguez hinted at “information that may impression the whole world” within the coming months. If FIFA strikes ahead, the 2030 World Cup wouldn’t solely have fun 100 years of historical past but additionally mark a brand new period the place international inclusivity and industrial alternative redefine the match.
