South America propose one-off 64-team World Cup in 2030

Al Jazeera - Apr 11th, 2025

Alejandro Dominguez, president of CONMEBOL, has officially proposed to FIFA an expansion of the men's 2030 World Cup to include 64 teams. This proposal, aimed at celebrating the centenary of the event, was first introduced by a Uruguayan delegate during a FIFA council meeting chaired by Gianni Infantino. The 2030 World Cup is already set to be a groundbreaking edition, with six host nations spanning three continents, including Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Dominguez's plan would further expand the tournament, potentially allowing all 10 CONMEBOL member countries to participate, including Venezuela, which has never qualified for a World Cup.

This expansion proposal aligns with FIFA President Infantino's trend of increasing the tournament's size, as the 2026 World Cup will already feature 48 teams. However, this idea has faced criticism, particularly from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, who argues that a 64-team World Cup could dilute the quality of play and undermine regional qualifiers. If approved by FIFA, the expanded tournament would consist of 128 matches, doubling the format from 1998 to 2022. This move underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between inclusivity, quality, and the financial implications of such a massive sporting event.

Uefa Fifa Conmebol Alejandro Dominguez Gianni Infantino 2030 World Cup World Cup Expansion 64 Team World Cup

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a largely accurate and timely overview of the proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, highlighting its significance in the context of the tournament's centennial celebration. It presents a balanced view by including both the proposal's rationale and some criticisms, though it could benefit from deeper exploration of opposing perspectives and logistical challenges. The article is clear and accessible, making it easy for a general audience to understand, but it lacks transparency in sourcing and could improve its engagement potential with additional interactive elements. Overall, the story effectively informs readers about a significant development in international sports, though it leaves room for further investigation and discussion on the broader implications of such an expansion.

Accuracy

The story is largely accurate in its presentation of the facts, aligning with available information about the proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams. It correctly identifies Alejandro Dominguez as the CONMEBOL president making the proposal and outlines the context of the centennial celebration of the World Cup. The article accurately lists the host nations and the historical significance of Uruguay as the original host. However, it lacks specific details on the reactions from FIFA and UEFA beyond mentioning Aleksander Ceferin's opposition. The number of matches and logistical challenges are mentioned but not deeply explored, which are areas that could benefit from additional verification.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by presenting both the proposal's rationale and the criticism it faces. It includes perspectives from CONMEBOL, FIFA, and UEFA, highlighting differing opinions on the expansion. However, it could improve by offering more insights into the criticisms, particularly from UEFA and other stakeholders, to provide a fuller picture of the debate. The article leans slightly towards the proposal's positive aspects, such as increased participation and celebration of the World Cup's centennial, without equally detailing the potential downsides.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the main points of the proposal and its implications. It uses straightforward language and effectively explains the significance of the centennial celebration and the potential expansion's impact. However, some technical details, such as the logistics of hosting a 64-team tournament, are not fully explored, which might leave readers with unanswered questions. Overall, the article is accessible and easy to understand.

Source quality

The article references statements from key figures such as Alejandro Dominguez and Aleksander Ceferin, lending credibility to its claims. However, it does not cite specific sources or documents from FIFA or CONMEBOL meetings, which would strengthen its reliability. The lack of direct quotes or official documents leaves room for questioning the depth of the reporting. Additionally, the article could benefit from including perspectives from independent analysts or experts in sports management to enhance its authority.

Transparency

The article provides basic context about the proposal and its significance but lacks transparency in its sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose how the information was obtained or whether the author consulted any official documents or statements beyond the public speeches. There is also no mention of potential conflicts of interest or biases that might influence the reporting. Greater transparency about the sources and methods used would improve the article's credibility.