FIFA intends to increase the Club World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for its 2029 edition, following the perceived success of the 2025 tournament in the United States. The governing body is also considering making the event biennial and exploring various hosting options, amid opposition from UEFA over fixture congestion. Prize money distribution from the previous edition remains unresolved, with €212 million in solidarity payments still pending.
The 2025 Club World Cup, held in the United States with 32 teams, concluded with Chelsea defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final in New Jersey. That event generated significant revenue, including a TV deal with DAZN worth around €900 million, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, though it was aired for free on the DAZN app. FIFA slashed ticket prices to about $10 for some matches due to low attendance in empty stadiums.
Reports from Marca indicate FIFA's desire to expand the tournament by 50% to 48 teams in 2029, similar to the World Cup's growth. The next edition is scheduled before the 2030 World Cup, hosted across Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. Potential venues include Spain and Morocco as a test run, or a return to the USA. There are suggestions of holding the Club World Cup every two years, influenced by input from clubs like Real Madrid. England has also been mentioned as a possible host.
UEFA, which provided 12 teams in 2025—the most from any confederation—opposes the expansion due to increased fixture congestion. Real Madrid's then-manager Carlo Ancelotti criticized the added games last season but later retracted his comments. UEFA recently added four extra Champions League matches for play-off teams.
Financially, Chelsea earned £85 million in prize money as winners, with participating European clubs receiving between $13 million and $38 million based on rankings and commercial factors. Group stage wins were worth $2 million, draws $1 million, and advancing stages offered escalating amounts up to $40 million for the champion—potentially £91 million at current rates for a winner like Manchester United. However, frustration grows over unpaid €212 million in solidarity payments to federations, equating to about €57,300 per top-flight club worldwide.
FIFA aims for a £750 million prize pot again, but experts like University of Liverpool's Kieran Maguire describe the 2025 edition as a 'hustle' seeking legitimacy. He notes that while big matches in potential hosts like England could draw crowds, overall sell-outs with 48 teams are unlikely, and fixture calendar adjustments may be needed.
