Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President, is championing the revamped Club World Cup as a pivotal moment for globalizing football. As the tournament prepares to kick off this Saturday, June 14, 2025, Infantino has likened it to the inaugural World Cup in 1930, emphasizing its potential to usher in a "new era" for the sport.
The expanded Club World Cup will feature 32 teams from across all continents, a significant increase from the previous seven-team format. The competition begins with a match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium. Infantino believes this inclusivity will provide opportunities for clubs outside of Europe and South America to compete on a global stage. He stated that FIFA aims to make football "truly, truly global" by giving chances to clubs from all over the world.
Infantino addressed concerns about fixture congestion, but he is confident that any initial skepticism will dissipate once the tournament begins. He also responded to criticism regarding FIFA's ticketing policies, particularly concerning students. He argued that offering affordable tickets to students is a positive initiative, providing opportunities for them to experience a major football tournament.
The FIFA President highlighted the economic success of the tournament, noting a global broadcasting deal with DAZN reportedly worth $1 billion. He assured that all revenue generated from commercial deals would be reinvested back into the sport. Furthermore, the prize money is also substantial, with the winner potentially earning up to $125 million.
The decision to expand the Club World Cup has not been without controversy. Concerns have been raised about the increased number of games and the potential impact on player rest and recovery. FIFPro, the global footballers' union, even took legal action against FIFA, citing player burnout as a major concern. Additionally, the timing of the tournament poses challenges related to player contracts, which may expire mid-tournament. Despite these issues, FIFA remains committed to the new format.
Gianni Infantino sees the Club World Cup 2025 as a "big bang" moment for football, uniting players from almost 90 countries. He also noted the strong connection FIFA has with Miami, emphasizing the city's role in the future of the sport.
