2030 World Cup Hosts to Play Qualifiers Despite Automatic Entry, Says APF Chief

Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay have been granted automatic qualification for the 2030 World Cup as three of the six host nations, but they will still take part in the qualification process, according to Paraguayan Football Association head Robert Harrison.

These three South American countries will each host one match during the tournament, honoring the centennial of the first men's World Cup held in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930. The remainder of the event will be staged across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Playing Qualifiers Despite Secured Spots

Although FIFA is expected to allow all six hosts automatic entry, Harrison confirmed that the South American teams will compete in CONMEBOL qualifiers. This is not merely to maintain form or match rhythm.

"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.

He revealed a plan resembling the UEFA Nations League, where South American teams would face European squads based on their qualifying standings.

Qualification Positions Impact Future Matches and Finances

The position these teams secure in qualification will determine the level of their opponents from Europe, with higher-ranked European teams offering greater financial rewards.

"If you stay in fourth place or fifth, you’ll play against Spain, Germany, Europe 1, Europe 2, or Europe 3. If you play against Europe 3, your profit will be almost nothing, if it’s against Europe 2, more and Europe 1 it’s much more. There’s an economic factor that is very, very important in this qualification," Harrison explained.

In the past, CONMEBOL and UEFA have collaborated on competitions such as the Finalissima, pitting Copa América champions against European champions. There have been talks about South American teams participating in the UEFA Nations League format as well.

Potential Expansion of the World Cup

Harrison mentioned that the qualifiers for 2030 will offer three and a half spots, aside from the automatic qualifications. The South American trio's rankings will influence their participation in intercontinental contests organized with European teams.

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, who hails from Paraguay, has advocated for expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams. Should this happen, Paraguay could host an entire group stage instead of just a single game.