Football’s global governing body FIFA is stirring the pot again with plans to potentially expand the Club World Cup to a whopping 48 teams by 2029. This comes hot on the heels of the men’s World Cup expansion to 48 teams in 2026. But is bigger always better? Let’s break down what this proposed change could mean for clubs, players, and fans worldwide.
The current Club World Cup, featuring just seven teams, often feels like an afterthought in the crowded football calendar. FIFA’s proposed expansion would transform it into a month-long spectacle mirroring the World Cup format. But with great expansion comes great responsibility – and potentially great controversy.
Understanding the Current Club World Cup Format
How the Tournament Currently Works
Right now, the FIFA Club World Cup is a compact tournament with:
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Champions from each continental confederation (6 teams)
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Host nation’s league champion (1 team)
The whole event wraps up in about 10 days, with European and South American teams typically dominating.
Recent Winners and Performances
Since 2012, European clubs have won every edition except one (Corinthians in 2012). The last three finals have been all-European affairs, raising questions about competitive balance.
The Proposed Expansion to 48 Teams
What the New Format Would Look Like
The expanded version would likely mirror the 48-team World Cup structure:
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16 groups of 3 teams each
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Top 2 advancing to knockout rounds
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Total of 80 matches (up from just 7 currently)
Potential Benefits of Expansion
 More representation from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF
Increased global interest and revenue
Prestige boost for “second-tier” leagues
Let’s be real – this is primarily about money. The current Club World Cup generates about $50 million annually. A 48-team version could surpass $1 billion.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly stated his desire to make football “truly global.” Expanding the Club World Cup aligns with his vision of breaking Europe’s stranglehold on elite club competitions.
Top players already face ridiculous schedules. Adding another month-long tournament could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. The FIFPRO players’ union has warned about “dangerous levels of fatigue.”
Participating clubs could earn $50-100 million each, making it potentially more lucrative than domestic leagues for some teams.
Not surprisingly, European clubs are skeptical. The ECA has previously resisted similar proposals, fearing it would devalue the Champions League.
Fan Reactions
Social media polls show mixed feelings:
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58% excited about more global representation
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42% concerned about diluted quality
The gold standard of club competitions. Would a 48-team Club World Cup challenge its supremacy? Unlikely in the short term, but the financial incentives could change that over time.
South America’s premier competition might actually benefit, giving its clubs more high-profile matches against European opposition.
Potential Host Nations
Leading Candidates
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United States (capitalizing on 2026 World Cup infrastructure)
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Saudi Arabia (massive recent football investments)
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China (previously interested in hosting)
Finding a month that doesn’t conflict with:
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Domestic leagues
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Continental competitions
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International breaks
Broadcast rights alone could fetch $2-3 billion for the first edition, with sponsorship adding another $1 billion.
Would Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City really be competitive? FIFA may need to implement financial fair play rules specifically for this tournament.
Some suggest:
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More slots for developing football nations
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Wildcard entries based on global popularity
While the 48-team Club World Cup promises more global representation and financial rewards, significant hurdles remain. The consultation process will reveal whether this is football’s next great evolution or an overreach that could strain the sport’s ecosystem. One thing’s certain – if implemented, the 2029 tournament would forever change the landscape of club football.
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