As the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup kicks off, speculation is already mounting that the competition may be on the verge of getting even bigger. FIFA is preparing to consult stakeholders about a possible expansion to 48 teams for the 2029 edition, just as the revamped tournament makes its debut in the United States. But what is driving this potential increase in size? The official line is optimism, growth, and inclusion – but the real pressure comes from unexpected corners.
The current format already marks a major shift for the club game, offering an unprecedented platform for clubs outside of Europe to compete against the elite in meaningful matches. But some of the biggest clubs in world soccer, including Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Milan, are notably absent from the tournament. That’s not just a matter of prestige—it’s also a massive commercial opportunity lost.
“For the future we are very open-minded to look at formats and so on that we will discuss with the clubs and with the confederations,” said FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom in an interview with The Athletic. “I believe strongly in the future of this competition.”
While FIFA says serious talks haven’t yet taken place, clubs who missed out on qualification are actively pushing for change, particularly those from the Premier League, where commercial clout often outweighs silverware. This growing pressure could lead FIFA to abandon or alter the current rules, especially the controversial cap that limits each country to two participating clubs—unless they’ve won their continental title.
That very cap excluded Liverpool and Arsenal, despite strong Champions League performances from 2021 to 2024. Chelsea and Manchester City both qualified by winning the tournament, but Liverpool’s superior ranking wasn’t enough. Meanwhile, clubs like Real Madrid benefited from multiple entries due to their consecutive Champions League triumphs, pushing other high-profile clubs out of contention.
Real reason for the push: $1bn stage
And here lies the bizarre twist. The push for expansion isn’t entirely about competition or fairness—it’s about the money. FIFA’s $1 billion broadcast deal with DAZN and its new Saudi-backed partners means there’s now enormous financial value in simply appearing at the Club World Cup. The prize pool tops $125 million, and though much of it is labeled as “participation” money, the promise of global exposure and commercial growth is what’s luring the big clubs.
“Make no mistake about it: as a concept, the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup is good for the sport,” writes The Guardian. “But from the start, it has felt as if this whole thing was driven by money and sucking up to the big cash-generating European clubs.”
