FIFA Expands Club World Cup Format for 2029
FIFA has agreed to a joint venture with the European Football Clubs (EFC) group that could lead to an expanded Club World Cup format starting in 2029, according to a report from Sport Industry Group. The collaboration aims to enhance the tournament’s organization and commercial appeal, with discussions ongoing about increasing the number of participating teams from 32 to 48.
Key Details of the Joint Venture
The agreement, disclosed in a June 26, 2026, report, involves FIFA and the EFC group, a coalition representing major European clubs. The partnership is expected to influence future editions of the Club World Cup, including adjustments to qualification pathways and financial structures. A 2029 expansion would mark the first major overhaul of the competition since its current format was introduced in 2021.
The current structure features 32 teams, with representatives from six continental confederations. However, the proposed 48-team model would require reworking eligibility criteria, particularly for European clubs. Under existing rules, only one team per country is allowed to compete, a restriction that has limited Premier League representation despite the league’s strong UEFA rankings.
Implications for Premier League Clubs
The potential expansion could create opportunities for additional English clubs to qualify, but it also raises questions about how participation limits might evolve. The 2025 Club World Cup, held in Morocco, saw European, South American, and North American teams compete, though several top European clubs were excluded due to qualification rules.
A source close to the EFC group told Sport Industry Group that the joint venture “aims to balance competitive integrity with broader global participation.” However, the exact impact on Premier League clubs remains unclear, as final decisions on qualification criteria are pending.
Commercial and Financial Developments
The agreement follows increased commercial focus on the Club World Cup, including a global broadcast deal and revised prize distribution. Participating clubs have already received allocated prize money, with further discussions underway about distributing funds to non-participating teams.
FIFA’s commercial arm, FIFA Ventures, confirmed in a statement that the partnership “aligns with efforts to boost the tournament’s global reach and financial sustainability.” The organization did not specify how revenue-sharing models might change but emphasized that “clubs’ interests remain central to the process.”
Historical Context and Previous Challenges
The Club World Cup has faced criticism for its limited appeal compared to other international tournaments. In 2021, the competition drew lower TV ratings and attendance figures than the FIFA World Cup, prompting calls for reforms. The proposed expansion seeks to address these issues by increasing the number of participating clubs and enhancing broadcast coverage.
The EFC group’s involvement marks a shift in FIFA’s approach to club competitions. Earlier disputes over control of the Club World Cup led to tensions between FIFA and European club representatives, who argued for greater autonomy in tournament management. The new joint venture appears to resolve some of these conflicts, though details about decision-making structures remain undisclosed.
What Comes Next
Final decisions on the tournament’s format, qualification rules, and participation numbers are expected ahead of the 2029 edition. A FIFA spokesperson stated that “stakeholder consultations will continue throughout 2027 to ensure the revised model meets the needs of all parties.”
The outcome of these discussions could reshape the landscape of international club football, potentially increasing the visibility of European clubs while addressing long-standing concerns about the Club World Cup’s relevance. For Premier League fans, the expansion could mean more opportunities for English teams to compete on the global stage—provided qualification rules are adjusted to reflect the league’s growing influence.
Source
Sport Industry Group, “Club World Cup expansion under consideration,” June 26, 2026.