World Cup expansion debate: Hellmann finds WM 48-team format 'very enriching'

Axel Hellmann, board spokesman for Eintracht Frankfurt, has defended the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams, countering criticism that it dilutes the tournament's quality.

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We in Germany tend to like to hold on to our Eurocentric view of football from the past. Nowadays, however, good football is played all over the world. The games are all very balanced, with very few exceptions.

Hellmann stated that Germany tends to cling to a past, Eurocentric view of football, ignoring the global rise of strong teams. "Good football is played all over the world now. The games are all very balanced, with very few exceptions," he said in a published interview.

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We tend to like to hold on to our Eurocentric view of football from the past. Nowadays, however, good football is played all over the world. The games are all very balanced, with very few exceptions.

He described the larger tournament, set to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, as "very enriching." Hellmann emphasized that smaller nations deserve access to this top international tournament, highlighting the importance of "participation in world football."

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We tend to like to hold on to our Eurocentric view of football from the past. Nowadays, however, good football is played all over the world. The games are all very balanced, with very few exceptions.

Addressing criticisms that FIFA's primary motive is profit maximization, Hellmann acknowledged the economic aspect but stressed the value of giving more countries the "pride of being there." He noted that smaller nations like Cape Verde have already made an impact in recent tournaments, and discussions are even considering an expansion to 64 teams for the 2030 World Cup.

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We tend to like to hold on to our Eurocentric view of football from the past. Nowadays, however, good football is played all over the world. The games are all very balanced, with very few exceptions.