Hosts of 2030 World Cup to Play Qualifiers Despite Automatic Entry, Says APF Chief
The three South American countries hosting the 2030 World Cup—Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay—will take part in the qualification process even though they have secured automatic spots as hosts, according to Robert Harrison, head of the Paraguayan Football Association (APF).
This World Cup will mark the 100th anniversary of the men's tournament, originally held in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930. Each of these nations will host one match during the tournament. The remaining matches will be spread across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. FIFA has indicated all six host countries will automatically qualify.
Playing for Position and Future Competitions
Harrison explained that the South American hosts will still compete in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. This isn’t simply to maintain match practice. Instead, the results will determine rankings used for a new competition involving European teams, which may resemble the UEFA Nations League format.
“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 told Paraguayan radio station Rock&Pop.
He added that finishing higher in the qualifiers influences who they face in this future tournament against European sides like Spain or Germany. Better placements bring greater financial rewards.
Collaboration Between CONMEBOL and UEFA
The two confederations have worked together before, such as in the Finalissima, which pits the Copa América winner against the European Championship champion. Rumors have circulated about CONMEBOL teams joining the UEFA Nations League or a similar competition.
“These qualifiers for this World Cup will qualify three and a half spots. There will be three and a half places,” Harrison said. “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 and Hosting Opportunities
Currently, each South American host nation is set to hold just one match. Yet CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, who is Paraguayan, has advocated for expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams. If this expansion happens, Harrison suggested Paraguay could host an entire group stage instead of a single game.
