BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Football’s world governing body, FIFA, is reportedly weighing the idea of staging the Club World Cup every two years after 2029.
The Club World Cup, which brings together continental champions from around the globe, is already set for a major revamp in 2025, when it will expand to 32 teams and take place in the United States.
Originally designed as a quadrennial event, similar to the national team World Cup, FIFA is now exploring whether a shorter gap between tournaments could maximize fan engagement and revenue.
Reports suggest that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is open to holding the tournament every two years if the inaugural 32-team edition proves successful both financially and logistically.
The decision, however, would depend on the competition’s global appeal and the ability to fit it into an already congested football calendar.
Infantino has long pushed for expanded tournaments as part of his vision to “globalize football” and give more clubs, especially from Africa, Asia and South America, the opportunity to compete on the world stage.
FIFA believes the Club World Cup can help bridge the financial gap between European powerhouses and emerging football markets.
If the biennial plan materializes, the next tournaments could be held in 2027 and 2029 before switching to the new format permanently. Such a move would effectively double the number of global club championships within a decade.
European football governing body UEFA has expressed reservations in the past, insisting that further expansion of global tournaments could undermine the Champions League and overburden top players.
Some major clubs are also wary that FIFA’s commercial ambitions could clash with club priorities.
The 2025 Club World Cup will serve as a major test case for FIFA’s ambitions. Featuring top clubs such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, Al Ahly, Fluminense and others, the tournament promises to deliver a blend of elite European football and global diversity.
In Africa, the proposal has been met with cautious optimism.
Football associations across the continent see the potential for increased participation and exposure for local clubs, which could boost player development and investment in domestic leagues.
However, some African football administrators have warned that without structural investment in infrastructure and youth development, the gap between regions may persist despite increased competition opportunities.
If implemented, the biennial tournament would further highlight FIFA’s shift toward commercial expansion and global equalization in football.
Critics argue that such ambitions must be balanced with player welfare and the protection of domestic competitions.
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