Football: DFB boss Neuendorf strictly against World Cup with 64 teams

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf strictly spoke out shortly before the FIFA Council’s session. The recent idea of ​​aligning the tournament with 64 instead of 48 teams, the German leader of the association made a clear rejection.

“We will not support this proposal because I am deeply convinced that we would not do the tournament with it,” said Neuendorf to the German Press Agency. At the meeting of the Council, the Neuendorf, the proposal, which Ignacio Alonso had in March, could come up.

FIFA-Council surprised

The head of the Uruguayan association had caught his official colleagues with his advance. According to the statutes, the FIFA Council around World Association Head Gianni Infantino has to deal with all of its members. The FIFA Congress, the general assembly of all national football associations, will take place next Thursday in Asunción in Paraguay. The Council session is a preparation for the general assembly.

The 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico takes place for the first time with 48 instead of 32 teams. Spain, Portugal and Morocco are the hosts in 2030, and an opening game takes place in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. Alonso apparently hopes for more games in his homeland.

Effects for the leagues

As now from Neuendorf, there was already a clear rejection from Neuendorf. “Such a decision would also have serious consequences for the national leagues, since the tournament phase would inevitably extend itself,” said 63-year-old DFB president. “And of course it would also be an enormous physical burden for the players who, in my view, cannot be responsible.