Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has voiced strong opposition to a proposal by South America’s football governing body, Conmebol, to further expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams.
Montagliani joins a growing list of football leaders including UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and the Asian Football Confederation in rejecting the idea, citing concerns about its impact on global football dynamics.
Speaking to ESPN, the Canadian football administrator said, “I don’t believe expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams is the right move for the tournament itself and the broader football ecosystem, from national teams to club competitions, leagues, and players.”
Montagliani has warned that another expansion could overburden the international football calendar, disrupt club competitions, and place unnecessary strain on players.
The 2030 World Cup is already set to be a landmark event, hosted jointly by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the opening matches taking place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to commemorate the tournament’s centenary.
The 2026 edition—set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada—has already expanded to 48 teams, a decision that many felt was pushing the boundaries of logistical feasibility.
However, Conmebol insists the centenary celebration in 2030 warrants an even larger field of participants, arguing it would enhance global inclusion and honour the tournament’s historic roots.
