The Club World Cup was a resounding success. A tournament envisioned and led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, it made a huge impact, drawing an average of 40,000 spectators per match and generating massive television and online viewership (although total audience figures have yet to be officially released). Despite scheduling challenges — especially for European teams competing at the tail end of their seasons — this new version of the tournament is clearly here to stay.
There’s still room for improvement, particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and the United States as one of six hosts. But commercially and athletically, this Club World Cup proved to be a hit, delivering all kinds of matchups. It brought World Cup-like fever to club soccer across 12 cities in the U.S., even in the face of challenges like extreme heat and storm warnings that forced temporary match stoppages. With massive prize money at stake, multiple nations are already preparing bids to host the 2029 edition.
Morocco–Spain–Portugal: A joint push toward 2030
Morocco is planning a 120,000-seat stadium, set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and part of the 2030 World Cup. That infrastructure investment, combined with their joint bid with Spain and Portugal, makes them a strong contender. Additionally, Morocco hosts FIFA’s African office in Rabat and has organized the U-17 Women’s World Cup for five consecutive years.
Qatar: Strong FIFA ties and a proven track record
Qatar, known for its close ties to FIFA — its national airline is one of FIFA’s main sponsors — also hopes to host the 2029 Club World Cup. With experience from the 2022 World Cup and confirmed as host for every U-17 World Cup from 2025 to 2029, Qatar has the venues and logistics in place. The downside? The intense heat, which forced the 2022 World Cup into a winter schedule, despite the stadiums having air conditioning. The current Club World Cup, being held mid-year, clashes with that seasonal concern.
see also
PSG vs. Chelsea: Confirmed lineups for the FIFA Club World Cup final
Brazil: A soccer giant facing internal challenges
Brazil is a soccer powerhouse with prior World Cup hosting experience (2014) and a deep-rooted passion for the game. However, internal issues within the Brazilian Football Confederation — including a recent leadership change and ongoing political disputes — present significant obstacles to its bid.
