FIFA is reportedly planning to expand the Club World Cup to 48 teams starting in 2029, following the success of the 2025 edition. UEFA has indicated support for the change, marking improved relations between the governing bodies. The move aims to include more European clubs that missed the previous tournament.
The expanded Club World Cup launched in 2025 with 32 teams, marking the first time multiple representatives from each confederation participated. Despite initial skepticism, the tournament achieved strong attendance, viewership, and commercial success. Now, FIFA is considering further changes for the 2029 edition, potentially increasing the field to 48 teams to mirror the World Cup's format.
Reports from The Guardian indicate that UEFA is ready to back the expansion. This support comes with the condition that the tournament will not be held every two years, addressing concerns about overcrowding the soccer calendar. Previously, UEFA opposed growth due to fears it could threaten the Champions League's status. Tensions between FIFA and UEFA peaked in May 2025, when European representatives walked out of a FIFA congress in Paraguay.
The push for expansion stems partly from clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester United missing the 2025 event due to qualification limits per country and a four-year ranking system. UEFA's allocation is expected to rise from 12 spots in 2025 to 16 in 2029, enhancing European representation. Projections suggest Europe would get 16 berths, South America six, with other confederations seeing modest increases.
The new format may include a group stage with three or four teams per group, followed by knockout rounds. Potential hosts for 2029 include Spain and Morocco, aligning with their roles in the 2030 World Cup. Meanwhile, players have voiced concerns over the crowded calendar, citing increased match loads and injury risks from recent changes to competitions like the Champions League and World Cup.
This development signals reconciliation between UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, easing past clashes over soccer's future.
