The proposal by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) to increase the number of participating countries in the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 has caused a significant stir in the international football community. In response to South America's claim, Europe and Asia have immediately protested, and the internal conflicts within FIFA are becoming more apparent.

On the 11th (Korea time), China's 'Sohu.com' reported that "CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez officially conveyed the proposal to expand the number of World Cup participants from the current 48 to 64 at the 80th Congress held in Asuncion, Paraguay."

President Dominguez claimed, "The centennial of the World Cup is a festival that the whole world should celebrate together. More countries should be able to participate."

The 2030 tournament will be co-hosted by Spain and Portugal in Europe and Morocco in Africa, with some matches, including the opening match, held in South America (Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay). Given its unique nature as a 'three-continent World Cup,' FIFA is reportedly considering the formal possibility of expansion.

International news agencies such as AFP, Reuters, and AP reported that "Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, proposed the 64-country system for the first time at last month's FIFA Council, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino showed a positive attitude toward it."

FIFA has not publicly stated its official position, but it has been reported that the internal atmosphere is leaning towards 'support' due to expectations of increased revenue from the expanded tournament and global marketing effects. President Infantino also left room by saying, "The discussion on the expansion of participating countries is certainly worth considering." The issue is expected to be formally discussed at the FIFA Congress in May.

The place with the highest expectations for the expansion of the tournament is China. Chinese media noted, "If a 64-country system is introduced, the chances of the Chinese national team advancing to the World Cup finals exceed 90%." In fact, China has failed to advance to the finals repeatedly since its only appearance at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, making this proposal 'good news' from China's perspective.

Some have raised conspiracy theories, suggesting that FIFA may be trying to apply the rules flexibly for China's participation.

Asia and Europe are strongly opposing. Aleksander Ceferin, President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), dismissed the idea at a recent meeting in Serbia, stating, "Increasing the number of participating countries to 64 is a very bad idea. It diminishes the meaning of the qualifiers and could undermine the quality and significance of the tournament." He maintained a negative stance on the expansion, remarking that "the current 48-country system has not yet been properly verified."

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) feels the same way. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the AFC, stated at the AFC Congress held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the 12th, "The 2030 tournament has already been confirmed to have a 48-country system. If the number of participating countries continues to be shaken like this, demands for an expansion to 132 countries could arise soon. I cannot support a proposal that creates chaos."

Concerns are not simply a matter of numbers. An increase in participants will lengthen the tournament schedule and increase the physical burden on players due to time zone differences and long-distance travel. This could lead to an increased risk of injuries and conflicts with affiliated clubs. A decline in the overall level of play in the tournament is also a realistic problem.

Above all, the World Cup, which is still to be held with a 48-country system, has not yet taken place. The tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026 will be the first stage. This is why there is criticism regarding the assertion to further expand an unfinished system.

President Dominguez said, "We will only celebrate the 100th anniversary once, so more countries should participate together." However, the international football community has responded that such aspirations cannot cover numerous complexities. The world is focused on whether FIFA will choose 'the expansion of the festival' or 'maintaining balance and quality' at the Congress in May.

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