CONCACAF president rejects 64-team World Cup expansion for 2030

Proposal from South America to expand 2030 World Cup to 64 teams faces resistance from major football confederations.

A detailed view of the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy during its tour stop at the Duomo of Milan on April 11, 2025, in Milan, Italy. Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Inter

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The idea of a 64-team World Cup expansion in 2030, championed by South American football officials, has been dealt a major setback as CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has voiced his firm opposition to the proposal. Speaking in an interview with ESPN, Montagliani emphasized that such a drastic change is premature and potentially harmful to global football.

“I don't believe expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams is the right move for the tournament itself and the broader football ecosystem, from national teams to club competitions, leagues, and players,” Montagliani stated, offering one of the most decisive critiques of the plan so far.

His comments come amid growing resistance from several key football power centers. Both UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have already distanced themselves from the South American suggestion, casting serious doubt on whether FIFA would support such an ambitious overhaul.

A centennial vision meets global pushback

The World Cup team increase was floated by CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez as a symbolic gesture to mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup. The 2030 tournament is set to be a landmark event, jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional opening games in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The South American confederation saw the centenary as an opportunity to honor football's origins with broader global participation.

Dominguez suggested that the expanded format could be a one-time exception rather than a permanent change, but his pitch has not resonated beyond South America. Montagliani, whose confederation comprises 41 national associations across North and Central America and the Caribbean, was unequivocal.

“We haven't even kicked off the new 48-team World Cup yet, so personally, I don't think that expanding to 64 teams should even be on the table,” Montagliani remarked. His words reflect the skepticism many feel about increasing the number of participants without first assessing how the 48-team format will work in practice.

Concerns from the Asian Football Confederation

Adding to the opposition, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa reiterated his confederation’s stance over the weekend, reinforcing that the 2030 tournament should stick with the agreed-upon 48-team format. Speaking during the 35th AFC Congress in Kuala Lumpur, the Bahraini football leader dismissed the South American proposal as impractical.

"Personally, I don't agree," he told AFP, making it clear that, in his view, the matter had already been resolved. “The 2030 edition had settled on 48 teams, so the matter is settled,” he said. Sheikh Salman expressed concern about setting a precedent that could destabilize future discussions on tournament structure.

"If the issue remains open to change, then the door will not only be open to expanding the tournament to 64 teams, but someone might come along and demand raising the number to 132 teams. Where would we end up then? It would become chaos," he warned.

UEFA firmly against the enlargement

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has also made his position clear, describing the plan as a “bad idea.” Though Ceferin has not elaborated at length, his dismissal adds further weight to the widespread rejection among football’s continental leaders.

UEFA, as the dominant football confederation with strong commercial and competitive interests in maintaining the quality of the World Cup, appears unwilling to risk diluting the tournament’s prestige. European clubs, already facing a congested calendar, are likely to resist any expansion that could stretch player workloads even further.

FIFA’s response remains uncertain

While FIFA has yet to issue a formal stance, secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said the governing body would “analyze” the proposal put forth by CONMEBOL. That non-committal response suggests FIFA may be biding its time, gauging global sentiment before making any declarations.

For now, FIFA remains focused on delivering the 2026 World Cup, which will be the first edition to include 48 teams and will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The new format, with its group stages comprising 12 groups of four teams each, is already a significant change from the 32-team structure that has defined the tournament since 1998.

The 48-team format introduces its own set of logistical and sporting challenges. FIFA must first evaluate the effectiveness and reception of this change before entertaining any conversation about a further expansion to 64 teams.

Legacy vs. feasibility

The allure of a World Cup enlargement for 2030, driven by legacy considerations, is understandable. The centenary milestone offers a symbolic chance to showcase global unity and inclusivity. CONMEBOL’s intent to honor the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930, by allowing more teams to participate, has emotional and historical value.

But the cold logistical and competitive realities are beginning to outweigh romanticism. Increasing the number of teams adds complications in scheduling, stadium readiness, travel, accommodation, and broadcast rights. Moreover, it risks compromising the level of competition by including nations that may not be competitively ready for the global stage.

Global football needs balance

Montagliani’s comments underscore a broader concern about maintaining balance in the football ecosystem. With club football increasingly dominating the calendar and national teams struggling to secure time for training and preparation, adding more fixtures to the World Cup cycle could tip the scales even further.

“From national teams to club competitions, leagues, and players” – his reference to the broader football world indicates the complexity of decisions regarding major tournament formats. Expanding the World Cup is not simply a matter of adding slots; it's about assessing how those additions impact player health, broadcasting schedules, fan experience, and global competitiveness.

What comes next?

As it stands, the idea of a 64-team World Cup expansion appears to be on shaky ground. While FIFA’s official position remains unknown, the united front from CONCACAF, UEFA, and the AFC presents a formidable roadblock. Without support from other confederations, CONMEBOL’s proposal may remain an ambitious but unfulfilled vision.

The 2030 tournament already breaks with tradition by featuring matches on two continents. That novelty, combined with the new 48-team layout, may be more than enough innovation for one edition. Football’s global leaders now appear inclined to focus on delivering a successful 2026 World Cup before entertaining more radical changes.

With time still on the clock before 2030, discussions may evolve, but for now, the verdict is clear: expanding the World Cup to 64 teams is a bridge too far.