The money, the mode, the venue – the future of the club World Cup

The club World Cup split the football world-but how will the tournament continue in the future?

According to previous planning, FIFA’s next club World Cup will take place in 2029. While the tournament in Europe is sometimes viewed critically for several reasons, there is even some enthusiasm elsewhere. Several questions arise for the future of the tournament.

Where could the 2029 tournament take place?

The Brazilian Association (CBF) has FIFA President Gianni Infantino The organization of the 2029 club World Cup already offered, said CBF President Samir Xaud the newspaper o globo. “He was very happy and said it was absolutely possible”said Xaid. “Now we will work to realize it. It will be a great goal.”

Rafael LouzanPresident of Spain’s Association RFEF, made clear the ambitions of his country. “The FIFA president knows that we like to do big events, so why not this?”he asked with a view to 2029 and said: “How many countries can an event of this size align? We need first -class stadiums between 12 and 15.” Australia – with or without New Zealand – also reported interest in 2029 in 2023.

All countries mentioned have at least basics in the infrastructure. In 2030 the regular World Cup takes place to a large extent in Spain. Brazil organized the women’s World Cup in 2027 and had the men’s World Cup in the country in 2014. In 2023, Australia hosted the WM WM with New Zealand.

48 teams? Club World Cup every two years?

With FC Barcelona, Manchester United, ArsenalAC Milan or FC Liverpool Currently have to watch several large clubs, as the competition in the United States collects two to three-digit million amounts of prize money. This is mainly due to the fact that basically (with exceptions) each country can only provide two teams. The solution is obvious: an extension has long been an extension to 48 teams and could even be sold as logically, since the regular World Cup of men and women each has 48 teams.

On the other hand, there could still be differences between the World Championships. A question that can also arise before 2029: Does it stay the four-year rhythm or could the tournament also exist every two years?

Does the delicate protest from Europe continue to catch?

Player unions and national leagues including the DFL reported criticism. The players are overloaded, as a result of national leagues the victims. “I hope that there will be no second edition of the club World Cup”said Spain’s league president Javier Tebas The sports show as early as February. “I don’t want this tournament, because there is no space in the calendar. I don’t see any future for the club World Cup.”

The European leagues have lodged legal means against FIFA with the FIFPRO player union in order to be more involved in the design of the calendar. But you will hardly stop the tournament in the future, because the big clubs want it – as long as it brings money.

Will the tournament be financially independent?

The 2025 club World Cup is a tournament of Saudi Arabia’s grace. The dictatorial ruled country, which was served by FIFA the alignment of the 2034 World Cup on the silver tray, provided the necessary means in direct and indirect ways so that the tournament can take place. The club World Cup was difficult to sell for a long time. There were also many empty ranks during the tournament.

Well, where TV channels, sponsors and fans have seen the tournament for the first time, there is more interest in the future at FIFA. Because basically the club World Cup offers what some fans like to see: big clubs with big stars. And fans from South America have shown that at least there can be some enthusiasm.

However, the tournament only has a future if it brings the necessary income for FIFA. Because this money brings the premiums for the participants and they are the sole reason why Europe’s top clubs love the tournament so much. FIFA has to distribute one billion US dollars this time – it shouldn’t be less.