Eintracht Frankfurt's Axel Hellmann backs FIFA World Cup expansion to 48 teams

Eintracht Frankfurt board spokesperson Axel Hellmann defended FIFA’s decision to enlarge the 2026 World Cup from 32 to 48 teams. He described the larger tournament, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as “very enriching” and argued that it gives smaller football nations a rightful place and a sense of pride.

Hellmann also pushed back against criticism that FIFA is only seeking profit, acknowledging the economic dimension but stressing the broader benefit of wider participation. He noted that the expansion was a project of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and hinted that a further increase to 64 teams could be considered for the 2030 edition.