UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has demanded that Europe be given at least 16 of the 48 places at the expanded 2026 World Cup, telling Die Welt: "We are not just another continental association."

The FIFA Council rubber-stamped plans to expand the World Cup as of 2026, adding 16 nations, and the governing body is expected to confirm by May how many of the extra places will go to each continent, with the African and Asian associations expecting significant increases.

Europe currently has 13 places at World Cups and Ceferin said: "UEFA was the only confederation that did not want it, but we had no chance.

"And that's why we decided to fight for as many European participants as possible."

Italy, Spain and Germany have won the last three World Cups and every single tournament has been won by a nation from either Europe or South America.

"The quality is in Europe and South America," the UEFA president added. "That's just the way it is. We demand at least 16 places -- that would be the worst-case scenario."

Aleksander Ceferin, left, said he is confident FIFA president Gianni Infantino, right, will 'understand us.' Harold Cunningham - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

The influential European Club Association has also been highly critical of the new World Cup format, with its chairman -- Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge -- warning FIFA a "revolution" may be inevitable.

Rummenigge suggested clubs could even withhold players for the 2026 tournament amid concerns over injuries and burnout.

Ceferin said: "We met with [Rummenigge] a few times, and I see things just like him."

However, the Slovenian said he was confident FIFA -- now led by former UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino -- would heed the warnings.

"Let's not be arrogant but, in terms of quality and turnover, Europe is No. 1," he said. "We are not just another continental association. You can't just outvote us every time. If that happens, it could lead to grave problems between FIFA and UEFA. But FIFA's aware of it, and that's why it won't happen."

Asked what leverage UEFA had over FIFA, Ceferin said only: "We don't want to make it public now. FIFA will understand us."

He said Infantino "should not forget" how strong European football is but added: "I am convinced this won't happen."