Argentina will qualify automatically for the 2030 World Cup – despite hosting just one game at the tournament.The 2030 World Cup, the competition’s centenary edition, is being co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco – with three special anniversary games in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.Argentina reached a second successive World Cup final but were unable to defend their crownGettyUruguay won the inaugural 1930 World Cup, beating Argentina in the final.Paraguay, meanwhile, is home to the headquarters of South American governing body CONMEBOL, the oldest of the six continental football federations.Why will Argentina qualify for the 2030 World Cup?As such, a match is set to be held in each of the three countries’ capitals, Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Asuncion.And, in an unprecedented move, FIFA have confirmed all six host nations will be given an automatic spot at the finals.The fallout from Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain last weekend continues.What happened after the 2026 World Cup final?There were shocking scenes at full-time as scuffles broke out between Argentina players and staff and the victorious Spain team.Before that, a number of Argentina players celebrated their semi-final win over England by displaying a banner reading ‘Las Malvinas son argentinas’ (‘The Falklands are Argentine’), which the UK government urged FIFA to investigate.And more controversy has been sparked by FIFA president Gianni Infantino‘s letter of congratulations to the Argentine FA leaking.“Dear Mr. President, Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after an exciting final against Spain,’ the Daily Mail report Infantino saying.“I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine soccer.Messi had to settle for a silver medal this time round but Argentina still got a letter from FIFA president InfantinoGetty“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain in memory as an unforgettable celebration of football, marked by spectacular matches, the irruption of new promises, the presence of the great figures of the sport and the extraordinary atmosphere lived in stadiums full of fans.“The magnificent performance of the Albiceleste also contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football enthusiasts around the world.“Please send my sincere congratulations to all who have contributed to this magnificent result: to the players, to coach Lionel Scaloni, as well as to the coaching and medical staff and, of course, to the many fans who have accompanied and encouraged the team throughout the competition.“These victories are always the fruit of constant work, professionalism and attention to detail, but also of passion, commitment and love for this wonderful sport. All this augurs a very promising future and, without a doubt, will pave the way for new and great successes for Argentine football.“I wish you, dear Mr. President, all the best for the next competitions and I hope to see you again very soon. With all my friendship, Gianni Infantino.”All three medal-winning nations – including bronze winners England – receive a letter from Infantino, but his message to Argentina was bound to provoke a strong reaction after FIFA opened an investigation into the Albiceleste’s behaviour at the end of the final.Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (No5) was among those who lashed out after losing the 2026 World Cup finalGettyMeanwhile, over 20 million people signed a petition calling for Argentina to be permanently banned from the World Cup.Infuriated football fans had accused FIFA of showing favouritism towards the three-time world champions – who won their most recent title in 2022 – and captain Lionel Messi, allegations FIFA’s chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina vehemently denied.The petition has since been closed.What will the 2030 World Cup look like?The 2026 World Cup was the biggest edition of the competition yet, increased in size from 32 teams to 48.But the 2030 tournament looks set to be even bigger and feature 64 teams.CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has all but confirmed as much, posting on X: “In 2030, the World Cup comes to Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, a great opportunity for football to celebrate the World Cup Centenary with a 64-team tournament.”Dominguez’s post came as former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, currently FIFA’s chief of global football development, lauded the expanded 2026 World Cup as “a great success”.“There were question marks about, ‘but the countries were not good enough’, and they were given the answer. Not only have they shown that they were good enough, but they gave some great games and entertainment,” he said.