Big changes are coming to South American football, as a new format for World Cup qualifying for the 2030 edition is on the horizon. In a major shift, even top teams like Brazil and Argentina will need to compete in this new structure to earn their place in the World Cup. The most exciting part of this new competition is that it will not only serve as a qualifier but will also be an official tournament in its own right. The winning team will receive a trophy, a new star will be added to their record, and attractive prize money will also be up for grabs.
This proposal is currently being discussed under the leadership of Alejandro Domínguez, the president of CONMEBOL. The primary goal is to make World Cup qualifying more financially sustainable and competitive for South American teams. Typically, every team plays 9 home matches, bringing in substantial revenue from broadcasting rights. However, with Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay already confirmed as hosts for the 2030 World Cup, the number of qualifying teams will be reduced by three. To fill this gap, CONMEBOL is planning to introduce the Nations League.
One key aspect of this new format is that it will ensure all South American teams play an equal number of matches, which will help maintain financial stability. The new competition will allow teams to play home games, much like the usual World Cup qualifying process, generating significant broadcasting revenue.
While the prize money and other details are yet to be finalized, CONMEBOL has confirmed that this tournament will be official, and the winning team will earn a trophy, which will count in their international record. This new model has been inspired by the Women’s World Cup qualifiers, where South America had a league-like competition, with the top two teams qualifying directly for the World Cup, and the third and fourth teams playing intercontinental play-offs.
CONMEBOL’s final decision on this new format will be revealed after the 2026 World Cup. However, the football world is already buzzing with discussions about the upcoming Nations League. Argentina, Brazil, and other South American powerhouses will now face an entirely new challenge in their road to the 2030 World Cup.