I can hear soccer fans disappointed. Even AFC will oppose the World Cup 64 countries, and Chairman Salman will be confused
Apr 13, 2025
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Recently, the South American Football Federation (CONMEBOL) has argued that the 2030 World Cup should be played with 64 countries. The 2030 tournament, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal in Europe, and Morocco in Africa, will be held in six countries on three continents for the first time in history, with one out of 104 matches also in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay in South America to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup.
CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez said, "We want to increase the number of games to 64 countries as a one-time event for the 2030 tournament only." If we expand to 64 countries, we can increase the number of games further in South America, the birthplace of the World Cup. The purpose of the 2030 tournament is to allow all countries to experience the World Cup and anyone in the world to feel the festive atmosphere."
The '64-team proposal' was first proposed by Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguay Football Association (AUF), at the FIFA Council held in March. In response, FIFA expressed a positive review position. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is expanding the size of various international competitions with the aim of growing the soccer industry and developing soccer around the world, expressed his support.
However, Aleksander Cheperin, who leads the European Football Federation (UEFA), immediately opposed the idea, saying it was a "bad idea". Speaking at a press conference after UEFA's annual meeting in Belgrade, Serbia, President Cheperin said the idea of `64 participating countries' was truly remarkable"I don't think it's even right." He then stressed that it is not a good idea to consider the qualifying round as well as the World Cup finals.
Even the AFC, which could benefit, was opposed. Chairman Sherriq Salman "disagree" at the recent AFC General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur. The proposal to form 48 teams for the 2030 World Cup finals has already been accepted and the problem has been resolved. If this issue still remains, someone may ask for 132 teams to be formed. What will happen to us if that happens. You're going to get confused."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
