Kuala Lumpur, April 14, 2025 – Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has publicly rejected a proposal by South America’s CONMEBOL to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams. The idea, pitched by CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez, has sparked heated debate as FIFA reviews the formal submission.
The 2030 World Cup, marking the tournament’s centenary, is already historic. FIFA has approved an unprecedented plan to host matches across six countries on three continents—Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay—celebrating the inaugural 1930 edition in Montevideo. CONMEBOL’s push to increase participation from 48 to 64 teams would further inflate the event, boosting slots for member confederations, including Asia, home to clubs like Hanoi Police FC and The Cong Viettel.
Domínguez argues that a larger field would reflect football’s global growth, but opposition is mounting. CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani dismissed the timing, noting that the 48-team format—set to debut in 2026 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—hasn’t even been tested. He called discussing a 64-team event premature and impractical.
Sheikh Salman echoed these concerns, warning of dilution. “If everyone can join the World Cup, its brand value takes a serious hit,” he said. “A 64-team tournament could lead to calls for 128 or 132 teams tomorrow. Where does expansion end? It risks chaos. Personally, I cannot support this.” The Bahraini, who has led the AFC since 2013, stressed maintaining the tournament’s prestige, citing Asia’s rising competitiveness—evident in Vietnam’s 2024 ASEAN Cup win and Japan’s 2022 World Cup knockout run.
FIFA’s review process continues, but resistance from the AFC and CONCACAF—representing Asia’s 47 members and North America’s 41—signals tough hurdles for CONMEBOL’s plan. A 64-team format would stretch logistics, with 104 matches in 2026 already testing host capacities. For now, the 48-team blueprint remains FIFA’s focus, balancing inclusivity with quality, as federations like UEFA (16 slots) and CAF (9) await clarity. The debate underscores football’s global tug-of-war, with purists and progressives at odds ahead of a landmark 2030.
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