During the 2025 Club World Cup in the US, representatives from some major clubs discussed this possibility with FIFA, but no official request has been submitted.
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Jude Bellingham celebrates his opening goal in Real Madrid's 3-1 victory over Pachuca in their second group H match of the FIFA Club World Cup on 22/6. Photo: Icon Sport |
Jude Bellingham celebrates his opening goal in Real Madrid's 3-1 victory over Pachuca in their second group H match of the FIFA Club World Cup on 22/6. Photo: Icon Sport
Under the old format, the FIFA Club World Cup featured 7 teams: the champions of each continental confederation (Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, Oceania, CONCACAF) and a club from the host nation. Starting this year, the tournament expanded to 32 teams.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup offered a total prize pool of 1 billion USD. Real Madrid, reaching the semi-finals, earned 82.5 million USD. Winners Chelsea received 125 million USD after playing 7 matches. This is approximately 33 million USD less than what PSG received from UEFA for their 17-match journey to win the 2024-2025 Champions League.
FIFA is pleased with the results of the expanded Club World Cup but believes replicating such a large prize fund biennially is not feasible. FIFA is preparing for the next tournament in 2029 and is considering expanding it to 48 teams.
Financial matters aside, FIFA believes a biennial Club World Cup would clash with UEFA, something they want to avoid. FIFA also finds it challenging to organize a biennial Club World Cup given the already congested football calendar.
Qatar is currently the frontrunner to host the 2029 Club World Cup. The Gulf nation hosted the 2022 World Cup and possesses the necessary financial resources and infrastructure. However, if Qatar hosts, the 2029 Club World Cup would likely be held in December due to the heat, similar to the 2022 World Cup.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has been a vocal critic of FIFA's changes to the Club World Cup format and has called for a return to the old format. He also rejected Real Madrid's request to postpone La Liga matches in the 2025-2026 season to give players more rest.
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US President Donald Trump stands next to Chelsea captain Reece James during the trophy ceremony. Photo: Reuters |
US President Donald Trump stands next to Chelsea captain Reece James during the trophy ceremony. Photo: Reuters
FIFA has also recognized Chelsea as the first world champions of the expanded Club World Cup. Furthermore, FIFA will rename previous Club World Cup titles (from 2000 to 2023) to FIFA Intercontinental Cup, to distinguish them from the current expanded version.
Consequently, previous Club World Cup winners like Man Utd (2008), Liverpool (2019), Chelsea (2021), Man City (2023), Barca (4 times), and Real Madrid (5 times) lose their "world champion" title and are now recognized as FIFA Intercontinental Cup champions.
Hong Duy (ESPN, Daily Mail)
