FIFA is reportedly reviewing a bold proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to an unprecedented 64 teams, following a high-level meeting with South American football officials in New York on Tuesday.

The South American football confederation, CONMEBOL, is leading the push for the expansion, aiming to mark the tournament`s centenary with a global celebration of historic proportions. The 1930 World Cup, the first in history, was hosted by Uruguay.

While the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will already feature a record 48 teams, CONMEBOL envisions an even larger format for 2030. The goal is to not only include more nations but also to ensure more matches are hosted in South America, where the World Cup originated.

The 2030 tournament is officially set to take place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with three opening matches scheduled for Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay as part of a ceremonial tribute. However, CONMEBOL’s new proposal would significantly increase the number of participating teams and games.

FIFA met this week with the presidents of Uruguay and Paraguay, along with the leadership of CONMEBOL and Argentina’s football association, to discuss the idea.

CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez emphasized the historical importance of the 2030 event, calling for “unity, creativity, and believing big.” In a post on social media, he said, “This cannot be just another event, it cannot be just another World Cup. We believe this is a once-in-a-century opportunity.”

If adopted, the 64-team format would allow nearly one-third of FIFA’s 211 member associations to qualify, significantly altering the competitive balance and reducing the intensity of the qualifying phase for many top nations.

The idea was first raised during a FIFA Council meeting in March by Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association. Dominguez later echoed the sentiment in May, stating, “No one should be left out.”

The World Cup has steadily grown over the decades, expanding from 16 to 24 teams in 1982, and to 32 in 1998. The 2026 edition will see 48 nations participate for the first time. A decision on whether to expand the 2030 tournament even further has yet to be made.