FIFA is reportedly open to discussing the possibility of expanding the Club World Cup to include 48 teams, a move that comes after significant lobbying from European clubs. This potential expansion would build upon the already planned 32-team format set to debut in the United States in the summer of 2025. This willingness to consider further expansion highlights the ongoing debate and negotiations surrounding the structure and scale of global club competitions.
The current format change, expanding the tournament to 32 teams, is already a monumental shift from the previous seven-team competition. This revamped Club World Cup, scheduled to take place every four years, aims to create a more inclusive and competitive environment, mirroring the prestige and global interest of the FIFA World Cup for national teams. The United States is slated to host the inaugural edition of this new format, with matches planned from June 14 to July 13, 2025.
However, the expansion has not been without its critics. Concerns have been raised, particularly from European leagues and player unions, regarding the increased fixture congestion and its potential impact on player welfare. The argument centers around the already packed schedules of top-level players, who could face an unsustainable number of matches per season if additional tournaments are added. FIFPRO Europe and European Leagues have even filed legal complaints against FIFA, citing a lack of consultation and potential violations of EU competition law.
Despite the criticism, the expanded Club World Cup has its proponents who argue that it will provide a platform for clubs from around the world to compete against the elite, fostering global interest and development of the sport. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has emphasized the importance of inclusivity and creating an exciting competition that involves more teams and fans from different continents. The financial incentives are also a major draw, with a total prize pool of $1 billion, including a substantial sum for participation and performance-based rewards. Reportedly, FIFA could give the winners of the first 32-team event $93.2m.
The proposed 48-team format would likely involve further adjustments to the tournament structure, potentially impacting the number of matches played by each team and the overall duration of the competition. It remains to be seen how FIFA will address the concerns raised by European stakeholders and ensure that player welfare remains a priority. A consultation is expected to take place if the 32-team edition is deemed successful.
Ultimately, the decision to expand the Club World Cup further will depend on a variety of factors, including the success of the 2025 edition, ongoing negotiations with European clubs and leagues, and FIFA's broader vision for the future of global club football.
