South American Hosts to Compete in 2030 World Cup Qualifiers Despite Automatic Entry

Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will take part in qualifying matches for the 2030 World Cup even though all three have secured automatic spots as co-hosts, according to Robert Harrison, head of the Paraguayan Football Association.

These South American nations will each host one game during the tournament. This arrangement honors the centennial of the men's World Cup, which began in 1930 in Montevideo, Uruguay. The remaining matches will be held across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Hosts to Participate in CONMEBOL Qualifiers

FIFA is expected to grant automatic qualification to all six host countries. Yet, Harrison revealed that the South American hosts plan to compete in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. This goes beyond maintaining competitive form.

Harrison hinted at a format resembling the UEFA Nations League involving South American teams facing European opponents, based on their qualification rankings.

"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 shared on Paraguayan radio station Rock&Pop.

The system could match teams ranked fourth or fifth in CONMEBOL qualifiers against European groups like Spain, Germany, or others labeled Europe 1, 2, or 3. The financial rewards would vary significantly depending on the matchup, with games against higher-ranked European sides bringing in much greater revenue.

CONMEBOL and UEFA Collaborations

CONMEBOL and UEFA have cooperated before, such as with the Finalissima trophy contested between Copa América and European Championship winners. Past reports suggested South American teams might join the UEFA Nations League in some capacity.

Harrison explained the 2030 qualifiers will award three and a half World Cup spots. Although the three South American hosts are already qualified, their participation determines positioning for an additional tournament against European teams.

"These qualifiers for this World Cup will qualify three and a half spots. There will be three and a half places," said Harrison. "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 of World Cup Format

Currently, the South American trio will host only one match each. However, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, who is Paraguayan, has advocated for expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams. If this occurs, Harrison stated Paraguay might host an entire group stage instead of just a single game.