Gianni Infantino could give his approval for a World Cup squad increase. © APA/afp / GIORGIO VIERA

South America demands it: World Cup soon with 48 teams?

South America's football association Conmebol is increasing its efforts to expand the 2030 Men's World Cup to 64 teams.

September 24, 2025

From: dpa/sn

Conmebol President Alejandro Dominguez expressed this wish during a personal meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in New York. If successful, the tournament would feature 128 matches for the first time. The World Cup field was only increased from 32 to 48 teams for next year's finals.

"We believe in a historic World Cup in 2030," Dominguez wrote on Instagram alongside a photo with Infantino and top South American officials. The presidents of Paraguay and Uruguay were also present.

In 2030, Morocco – here a picture of the stadium in Tangier – will be one of the hosts. © APA/afp / -

The newspaper La Nacion According to people close to Argentine FA President Claudio Tapia, Infantino initiated the meeting and supported the plans. The tournament, in just under five years, will take place in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. The expansion plans have recently been criticized, particularly from Europe.