The Club World Cup is on the brink of entering a new chapter, proposing either a revolutionary era in making soccer even more globally revered or representing a significant logistical challenge in an already jam-packed soccer calendar. The newly expanded contest kicks off on June 14 in Miami amid legal battles in Europe, threats of strikes, and ongoing worries about player welfare due to an increasing number of matches.
Since FIFA announced this substantial addition to the soccer scene in December 2023, there has been palpable resistance from Europe, the continent contributing the most teams, with criticisms extending almost until the event’s commencement. “We want to protect football,” expressed David Terrier, president of the players’ union FIFPRO Europe. He noted the problem isn’t only the workload; it also concerns football’s governance, as the calendar reflects governance choices.
In a stark contrast to European skepticism, many other areas of the world, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, are eager for their chance to compete against titans like Real Madrid in what promises to be the largest club tournament ever. This global enthusiasm is exactly what FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, is banking on, hoping the Club World Cup will rise to the stature and allure of the Champions League and Premier League as FIFA’s “prime club competition.”
With its roster swelling from seven to 32 teams and set to occur every four years across June and July, the U.S. will host the initial edition. Thus, numerous elite players face potential offseason engagements three out of every four upcoming years due to the Club World Cup being fitted between major tournaments like the men’s World Cup, European Championship, and Copa America.
The lukewarm reception from Europe was quite apparent when the new format was disclosed. Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, voiced concerns over recovery periods, while Jürgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager and now with Red Bull, dismissed the tournament as “useless” earlier this year, highlighting the lack of a summer break. A legal challenge by FIFPRO Europe and the association of European Leagues underscores the region’s general dissatisfaction. Calls for the competition’s termination have even come from influential figures like Spanish league president Javier Tebas.
However, despite doubts, the tournament is backed by the European Club Association, with major clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, supported by superstars such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Erling Haaland set to participate. Real Madrid’s readiness is underscored by their recent proactive signings to ensure key players are available, while City and PSG convey their genuine commitment to the tournament, regardless of criticisms. The whopping $125 million prize for the winner from a $1 billion prize pool has certainly piqued club interest globally.
Rumbling dissatisfaction from Europe stems from inadequate consultation or communication regarding this tournament. Both European leagues and players’ unions pressed for dialogue with FIFA on the expansion but found their experiences overlooked, highlighting their need for consultation on new calendar inclusions. Events in Munich, prefacing last month’s Champions League finale, highlight the continuing pressure exerted on FIFA by European bodies regarding the Club World Cup.
In contrast, communities across Latin America express unabated excitement untainted by the European dissent. With Boca Juniors selling out their group stage match tickets rapidly, reflecting high local anticipation, managers like Boca’s Miguel Ángel Russo voice ambitious intent. Simultaneously, Latin American teams bolster their squads through high-profile signings in preparation for the tournament.
In the United States, excitement peaked as LAFC secured its place after a victory over Club America, marking an opportunity to compete alongside Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders. Enthusiasm also resonates in Japan and South Korea, where clubs set off to elevate their national pride and showcase their prowess on the global stage.
For Saudi Arabia, this tournament presents a platform to illustrate the accelerated development within its Pro League, emanating from broader strategic efforts to amplify its soccer footprint. Al-Hilal, representing the nation, showcases this ambition.