The global football community begins to react to Conmebol and Alejandro Domínguez’s proposal for the Centennial World Cup. Request from South America’s governing bodies to extend the number of participating countries to 64 For that edition does not reason completely. Large confederations from Europe and Asia strongly oppose the measure, which indicates that it could forever change the landscape of the tournament. They think there is more to lose than to win.
“We are convinced that the centenary will be somewhat unique. 100 years happen only once. And that’s why we suggest once, once, To implement this anniversary with 64 teams on three simultaneous continents“ said Alejandro Domínguez, requesting the opportunity to study this outstanding event. It is worth remembering that from 2026 onwards there will be a World Cup with 48 participants and a format that is unmatched in history.
The world begins to react. Víctor Montagliani, chairman of Concacaf, Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa as president of AFC, and Aleksander Ceferin at UEFA speak out against a measure that they consider to be dangerous for the future. In Europe, media likes that Relief Talking about the danger of disturbing the ecosystem of the World Cup if this proposal is accepted. It is claimed that the best official in Nyon calls it a “bad idea”, given that someone in the future can even propose a World Cup with 128 qualified teams.
Concacaf’s president expresses concern
“I don’t think expanding men’s World Cup to 64 teams is the right decision for the tournament itself or for the football ecosystem in general, From national team to club competitions, leagues and players. We haven’t even inaugurated the new 48-team World Cup yet, So personally, I do not think that expanding it to 64 teams should even be considered, ” said Víctor Montagliani in the last few hours. The international and emotional nature of Centennial Edition is understood, but not the real benefits it can provide.
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Conmebol suggests hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 with 64 teams for the first time in history
Asian perspective: a slippery slope?
A general analysis divided into Asia. Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa and AFC have a similar view of a proposal that must now be measured by Fifa. It should be remembered that the world’s football bodies are obliged to study all the proposals made by a affiliated confederation. In the east they do not hesitate in their analysis: “If the question remains open to changeThen the door will not only be open to expand the tournament to 64 teams.“
Spain joins the opposition
Even the Royal Spanish Football Association responds to the situation. Relief Reports leak where senior executives ask that the proposal should not even be considered. They talk about a general problem with having so many places that meet FIFA’s minimum requirements And above all, a scheduling of the nightmare to coexist between the world of clubs and nations. It should be remembered that the only preparation for the first World Cup played on three continents will be 48 nations format which premieres in just 14 months.
The football world seems to speak to Conmebol’s proposal for an edition that is unmatched at an emotional and historical level. Only the time will tell you what is happening, but the reality is that right now, from Europe to Asia and even in North America, is an absolute revolution for the sport intended to be studied from the city of Luque not convincing.
