Nyon (Switzerland) : European football's governing body UEFA will ask for 16 places for European teams in the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup 2026, its President Aleksander Ceferin has said.

Last month, FIFA agreed to increase the number of World Cup participants to 48 nations instead of 32, from 2026 onwards, reports Efe.

After speaking at the UEFA executive committee here, Ceferin told the media: "We can push and be outvoted but we think it is realistic to ask for 16 slots at least, plus another condition that each European team is in different groups.

"Then if it is true that we are so good, that quality is on our side, I think all 16 can qualify," he added. -IANS