Federation also evaluates expanding number of teams participating from 32 to 48, with the support of large European clubs
A (International Football Federation Association) evaluates the Club World Cup every 2 years from 2029 and expand the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, according to information from the British newspaper Guardian.
The top entity of world football analyzes changes under pressure from major European clubs, with Real Madrid ahead of the articulations to turn competition into a more frequent event.
The financial interest is evident. Chelsea received 85 million euros as champion of the edition held in the United States in July. Other traditional clubs in Europe, such as Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool and Napoli, who have not qualified for the current tournament, support the proposal to hold the competition every 2 years.
The next Club World Cup is already confirmed for 2029, according to an international match calendar set by 2030. Although there is no plan for edition in 2027, FIFA can adopt the Biennial model from 2029, with a new dispute in 2031.
Real Madrid would have submitted the proposal in meetings with FIFA in Miami in June 2025. Liverpool was one of those harmed by the current format: even among the top 8 in Europe, was out because of the limit of 2 clubs per country.
FIFA also reviews the qualification criteria and can eliminate this restriction. The expansion to 48 teams would follow the 2026 Men’s World Cup model and the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
Qatar, Brazil, Spain and Morocco have already expressed interest in hosting the 2029 tournament. Unlike the current edition, which had the rights granted directly to the United States, FIFA intends to perform formal bidding for the next tournaments, with expected details in 2025.
