FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed openness on Thursday to CONMEBOL’s bold proposal of expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, stating that “every idea is a good idea” and worthy of review, as football’s global governing body prepares to celebrate the tournament’s 100th anniversary.
Speaking at the 75th FIFA Congress in Paraguay, Infantino responded to a suggestion from CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez, who urged member associations to think creatively about how to mark the centenary of the World Cup, first held in Uruguay in 1930.
“The 100-year celebration will be something special,” Infantino said in his closing remarks. “And I want to underline the words of Alejandro (Dominguez) in this speech. He told all of us to think on how we can really celebrate it in the way it deserves to be celebrated. So every idea is a good idea.”
The 2026 World Cup—set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada—will already see the tournament expand to 48 teams for the first time. However, CONMEBOL now wants to take the next step by increasing the field to 64 for the 2030 edition, which will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with select matches also taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to commemorate the competition’s historic roots.
While Infantino did not explicitly endorse the proposal, his comments suggest that FIFA is willing to explore the possibility.
However, not all confederations are on board. CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani voiced strong opposition to the idea, warning against making decisions before the expanded 48-team format is even tested.
“I’ve already made a comment on that. No, it’s not a great idea,” Montagliani told reporters following the Congress. “We haven’t even kicked the ball for 48 in 2026. Obviously, they can study all they want, but it just doesn’t feel right.”
The debate sets the stage for what could be a contentious review process, as FIFA and its member associations weigh logistical, sporting, and financial considerations ahead of a landmark tournament. The final decision on the tournament format for 2030 is expected to come in the years leading up to the event.
