Hosts of 2030 World Cup to Participate in Qualifiers Despite Automatic Entry, Says APF Chief

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

The three nations are among six host countries for the tournament, which marks the centenary of the men's World Cup that began in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1930. Matches will be held across Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and the South American trio will each host a game to commemorate the 100-year milestone.

Although FIFA is expected to grant automatic qualification to all six hosts, Harrison confirmed the South American teams will still compete in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. This participation isn't merely symbolic.

New Competition Linked to European Opponents

Harrison revealed plans for a new tournament resembling the UEFA Nations League, where South American teams would face European squads based on their qualifying results.

"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 explained the rankings in these qualifiers will determine who South American teams face in this intercontinental competition. For example, finishing fourth or fifth could mean playing against major European teams like Spain or Germany, with financial rewards increasing depending on the level of the opponent.

"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 said.

CONMEBOL and UEFA Cooperation

The two confederations have collaborated before, notably with the Finalissima trophy contested between the Copa América and European Championship winners. Reports have suggested South American teams might join the UEFA Nations League in some capacity.

Harrison mentioned that while three and a half spots will be available through qualifiers, the three South American hosts are already qualified. The qualifiers will serve to rank teams for the proposed intercontinental event.

"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 to 64 Teams

Currently, the South American hosts are set to stage only one match each during the tournament. However, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, who is Paraguayan, has advocated for expanding the World Cup to 64 teams from 48.

Should this expansion occur, Paraguay could host an entire group stage instead of just a single game, according to Harrison.