2030 World Cup Hosts Will Play Qualifiers Despite Automatic Entry, APF Chief Reveals

Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will take part in the qualification matches for the 2030 World Cup even though they have secured automatic spots as hosts, said Robert Harrison, head of the Paraguayan Football Association.

Each of these three South American countries will host one match during the tournament, which celebrates 100 years since the first men's World Cup held in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930. The remaining games will be played across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Participation Beyond Automatic Qualification

While FIFA is expected to grant automatic qualification to all six host nations, Harrison explained that the South American hosts will still compete in the CONMEBOL qualifying rounds. This isn't just to stay active but ties into a new competition plan.

Harrison hinted at a tournament resembling the UEFA Nations League, where South American teams might face European sides based on their standings in qualifiers.

“We’re all going to play qualifiers. We’re already qualified, but we’re all going to play qualifiers for positions for a future tournament that will be played against Europeans,” Harrison said on Paraguayan radio station Rock&Pop.

The rankings will determine which European teams they face, with financial rewards varying accordingly. Matches against higher-ranked European sides like Spain or Germany offer greater economic benefits compared to lower-ranked opponents.

CONMEBOL and UEFA Collaboration

CONMEBOL and UEFA have cooperated before, notably through the Finalissima, a contest between the Copa América and European Championship winners. Past reports suggested CONMEBOL teams might join a UEFA Nations League-style competition.

Harrison added, “These qualifiers for this World Cup will qualify three and a half spots. There will be three and a half places. Us three are already qualified. We’re seeing a possible project with the Europeans where this championship will be against them and will be played according to the location in the table, how the qualifiers in 2030 turn out.”

Potential Expansion to 64 Teams

Currently, each South American host will stage only one game. However, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, who is Paraguayan, is advocating for FIFA to expand the tournament to 64 teams from the current 48. Should that happen, Paraguay would likely host an entire group stage instead of just a single match.