CONMEBOL rewards Argentina with US$10 million, looks ahead to 2030 World Cup

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has awarded world champions Argentina with US$10 million after the country's historic and exciting victory in the World Cup.

The victory gives Argentina's its the third star and is the 10th World Cup for the continent. The trophy has been returned to South America after 20 years and will serve as the foundation for a new World Cup bid in 2030.

The triumph means that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has won the US$10 million prize promised by CONMEBOL if a South American representative won the world championship in Qatar. The Albiceleste defeated France 4-2 on penalties on Sunday, December 18, after an emotional and exciting 3-3 draw in 120 minutes of play.

CONMEBOL president, Alejandro Domínguez, had promised the special prize upon winning re-election in April 2022.

“We experienced one of the most exciting finals in history, the finishing touch to an unforgettable World Cup,” said the CONMEBOL chief. He added that “the Cup returned home, Argentina is a team that fulfilled the dream of an entire continent. We are extremely proud of this squad.”

Argentina's triumph is also an important milestone that boosts the South American candidacy to host the 2030 World Cup. The United States, Mexico and Canada will receive the world in 2026, but CONMEBOL is seeking to organize the global joust to mark the centenary of the FIFA World Cup.

CONMEBOL is strongly promoting promotes the joint candidacy of Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile. 

“In 2030 it will be 100 years since the first edition and the FIFA World Cup and it must return to its origins. We must honour the memory of those who believed in great things and bet on organising a World Cup in South America for the first time,” said Domínguez. 

– TIMES/AFP