FIFA considering expanding Club World Cup format for 2029 as UEFA’s position reportedly emerges

Last summer the football world was shocked by the launch of the extensive Club World Cupin which several representatives from each confederation were present for the first time. With plans to host the tournament every four years, FIFA is now reportedly considering another format shift – one that also depends on UEFA‘s position.

Reports indicate that FIFA’s intention is to mirror what it did with the World Cup and expand the next Club World Cup to 48 teams instead of 32. Such a move would not only increase qualification chances, but above all guarantee the participation of Europe’s biggest clubs. It is worth noting that in 2025 giants such as Barcelona, Liverpool And Manchester United failed to qualify for the tournament.

“UEFA stands ready to support FIFA’s proposed expansion of the Club World Cup to 48 teams for the next edition in 2029.” The Guardian reported this week, adding that the decision is seen as “a sign of improvement in relations between their respective presidents, Aleksander Ceferin and Gianni Infantino.”

If the report is confirmed, it would ease tensions between the two organisations, which have clashed in recent years over differing views on the future of football and the defense of their respective interests.

“Europe’s football governing body had opposed plans to expand the Club World Cup amid concerns that an expanded tournament could jeopardize the status of the Champions League. UEFA is now prepared to support FIFA in exchange for a promise that the competition will not take place every two years,” The Guardian added.

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The increasingly busy football calendar

As has become clear, tensions between football’s governing bodies relate to each organisation’s plans to grow and expand its own competitions. After decades of maintaining relative balance in the structure of global tournaments, the sport’s premier events have undergone significant changes in recent years.

The World Cup had kept the same 32-team format from 1998 to 2022, but from the next edition it will be expanded to 48 teams with a renewed structure. Meanwhile, similar changes are being discussed for the Club World Cupwhich had already introduced a new format in 2025.

Major adjustments have also taken place at European level. Ten years ago, UEFA created the UEFA Nations Leaguegiving European national teams a structured calendar of competitive matches against each other. As a result, other top national teams, such as Brazil And Argentina are now struggling to find high-quality opponents for friendlies during FIFA international breaks.

At club level the Champions League was also renewed last year after decades under the same structure. The number of qualified teams was increased, the traditional group stage was replaced by a competition stage, and a playoff round – essentially a round of 32 – was added. In some cases, clubs now play up to four more matches per season than before.

Players are not happy with the changes

While FIFA and UEFA continue to look for ways to increase the scale and frequency of their tournaments to increase revenues, other stakeholders are far less enthusiastic. For years, Several players have spoken out to express their concerns.

They argue that the recent changes, along with future expansion plans, have led to an excessive increase in the number of matches. The result is, they say greater physical strain on players and, ultimately, a higher risk of injury. Even though that position seems reasonable, it has so far gained little traction at the decision-making level.