The draw for the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup takes place in Miami on Thursday, offering the first glimpse of a tournament facing both apathy and controversy. With 32 teams competing in the United States, FIFA President Gianni Infantino hails the event as historic, but critics, including top leagues and players, aren’t convinced.
While the new 32-team format will bring the global excitement of a FIFA World Cup to club football, the tournament has been met with scepticism. Critics see it as an unnecessary addition to an already congested football calendar.
European leagues, led by La Liga’s Javier Tebas, have voiced strong opposition, citing indifference from broadcasters and a lack of sponsorship deals. Tebas even urged FIFA to scrap the tournament, claiming it is not needed by players or clubs.
The criticism isn’t limited to league officials. Players have expressed concerns about the expanding fixture schedule. Manchester City star Rodri warned in September that players are nearing a breaking point, suggesting industrial action might be inevitable.
FIFA has defended its calendar, accusing European leagues of prioritising their own commercial interests while dismissing the global potential of the Club World Cup.
Infantino remains steadfast, promoting the tournament as a revolutionary step for club football. The expanded Club World Cup is set to take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, featuring 12 European teams, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich; Six South American teams; Four teams each from Africa, Asia and CONCACAF; Auckland City from Oceania; and a Host Nation Slot filled by Inter Miami, a team controversially included despite an early MLS Cup exit.
Despite Infantino’s optimism, FIFA is reportedly struggling to secure a $4 billion media rights deal. Broadcaster interest has been lukewarm, raising questions about the tournament’s viability.
The event will take place across 12 US venues, with the opening match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium and the final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, the same venue as the 2026 World Cup final.
While FIFA positions the expanded Club World Cup as a transformative moment, resistance from leagues, players, and broadcasters suggests the road to 2025 will be anything but smooth.
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