German FA (DFB) president Reinhard Grindel has said he can imagine an expanded World Cup, but stressed that players should not face an increased workload.
Last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said a proposal to expand the tournament to 48 nations, with 16 groups of three teams, had received backing at a meeting of national federations.
That model -- along with an alternative 48-team format and a 40-team event -- was one of three proposals put forward for discussion by FIFA as it considers expansion of the World Cup from 2026 onwards.
World football's governing body is set to decide on a new format at its council meeting in Zurich early next month.