Football fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement after CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez made a big announcement. On July 20, 2026, he proposed expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup from 32 to 64 teams, aligning with the tournament’s 100th anniversary.

This proposed change could transform global football engagement, but it also brings up concerns about logistics, sustainability, and the competition’s integrity.

64 Teams World Cup: CONMEBOL Proposed Changes

Right now, the World Cup features a 32-team format that’s been around since 1998. This setup allows for a total of 64 matches, but Domínguez’s proposal suggests a substantial increase, potentially bringing the total to 128 matches.

The new format might include 16 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group moving on to the knockout stages. This change aims to boost participation, giving more nations a chance to experience the thrill of World Cup football.

This expansion comes right after the already approved increase to 48 teams for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The proposed 64-team format for 2030 would add 16 teams compared to the upcoming 2026 edition, marking a significant evolution for the tournament.

Critical Reactions and Considerations

Not everyone is on board with this idea. UEFA President Alexander Schäfferin has called the 64-team World Cup a “long shot.” While Domínguez’s announcement is significant, it still needs formal approval from FIFA.

The FIFA council, which ultimately decides, hasn’t given a timeline for when they’ll make a final decision.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hinted that the event should be “for the whole world,” leaving the door open for expansion. However, the logistics of such a format raise concerns about team travel, scheduling, and match quality.

Comparison of World Cup Formats

To grasp the implications of this proposed change, here’s a comparison of the current and proposed formats:

Feature	Current Format (32 Teams)	Proposed Format (64 Teams)
Number of Teams	32	64
Total Matches	64	128
Group Stage Structure	8 Groups of 4	16 Groups of 4
Teams Advancing to Knockouts	16	32
Hosting Countries	Single Host (varies)	Spain, Portugal, Morocco

What’s Next?

As the 2030 FIFA World Cup draws near, the football community is left wondering about the implications of this proposed expansion. If it gets the green light, we could see unprecedented levels of excitement and engagement in the sport. However, with significant pushback and logistical challenges, turning this proposal into reality won’t be easy.

The 2030 World Cup promises to be a landmark event, not just because of its new format but also due to its unique multi-continental hosting. Fans around the world will be watching closely for updates on this ambitious proposal.

If you’re passionate about football, keep an eye on the official channels for FIFA’s final decision.

Source: ESPN

What is the proposed format for the 2030 FIFA World Cup?

Alejandro Domínguez has proposed a 64-team format for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which would significantly expand the tournament’s structure and boost global participation.

How will the 64-team format impact global football?

The 64-team format could change how global football operates, allowing more nations to compete on the world stage. This could enhance the sport’s popularity and competitiveness across different regions. Stay tuned for more on the 64 teams world cup.