The German Football Association (DFB) and UEFA have formally opposed the proposal to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, marking a significant escalation in the debate over the tournament's future format.
The rejection from Europe's most influential football bodies challenges the initiative championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has previously confirmed that the expansion plan would be formally examined by the governing body.
The opposition highlights a growing rift between FIFA's global expansion strategy and the traditional European football establishment.
While Infantino has secured formal backing for the proposal to increase the number of participating nations, the DFB and UEFA argue that the current structure better preserves the competitive integrity and commercial value of the event.
Their stance suggests that any final decision on the 2030 format will face substantial political hurdles within the sport's power centers.
This development adds complexity to FIFA's preparations for the 2030 tournament, which is set to be hosted across multiple continents.