FIFA is contemplating holding the Club World Cup every two years starting in 2029, with potential expansion to include up to 48 teams. This proposal, driven by major clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool, aims to offer more teams the opportunity to tap into FIFA’s significant revenue streams, largely sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s Surj Sports Investments. However, legal concerns loom, with World Leagues and FIFPRO already pursuing complaints about FIFA’s unilateral decision-making.
Though there’s no plan to host the competition in 2027, FIFA is open to staging tournaments in both 2029 and 2031. Potential adjustments include removing the June international break to accommodate club tournaments, a move that would face opposition from UEFA, which utilizes that window for the Nations League. FIFA is also reviewing the tournament format, possibly lifting the cap of two clubs per country and expanding the competition from 32 to 48 teams, aligning it with the structure of upcoming men’s and women’s World Cups. The Guardian
Future hosting bids will include Qatar, Spain, and Morocco. However, concerns over extreme weather conditions, particularly in Qatar, may influence the final decision. The Guardian+1SB Nation
