In June and July 2025, the United States will host a groundbreaking event that could significantly influence FIFA President Gianni Infantino's legacy: the 32-team Club World Cup. This tournament symbolizes Infantino's vision and dedication, to the point where both his name and nickname are inscribed on the trophy. The event aims to make soccer "truly global," as Infantino seeks to establish a major quadrennial club competition that can thrive long after his tenure.
However, as the tournament approaches, its success is far from assured. Various challenges threaten to undermine this ambitious project. Questions regarding its funding loom large, and a draw for the tournament is set for Miami on December 5, which adds to the urgency. Moreover, European leagues and global players' unions have launched lawsuits against FIFA, citing concerns over adding more matches to an already congested schedule, jeopardizing player health.
Fans have voiced discontent over the perceived favoritism shown to certain teams, notably Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. This team, after being ousted in the early rounds of Major League Soccer playoffs, managed to secure a spot in this prestigious tournament, contradicting Infantino's promise of a merit-based competition.
As the countdown continues towards this historic event, FIFA has begun to reveal parts of its financial strategy to a wider audience, including top European teams like Real Madrid. These organizations demand significant participation fees, raising further concerns about the event's business viability. Despite the spirit of anticipation, the road to the inaugural match is fraught with hurdles that could impact Infantino's vision and the future of the Club World Cup.
However, as the tournament approaches, its success is far from assured. Various challenges threaten to undermine this ambitious project. Questions regarding its funding loom large, and a draw for the tournament is set for Miami on December 5, which adds to the urgency. Moreover, European leagues and global players' unions have launched lawsuits against FIFA, citing concerns over adding more matches to an already congested schedule, jeopardizing player health.
Fans have voiced discontent over the perceived favoritism shown to certain teams, notably Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. This team, after being ousted in the early rounds of Major League Soccer playoffs, managed to secure a spot in this prestigious tournament, contradicting Infantino's promise of a merit-based competition.
As the countdown continues towards this historic event, FIFA has begun to reveal parts of its financial strategy to a wider audience, including top European teams like Real Madrid. These organizations demand significant participation fees, raising further concerns about the event's business viability. Despite the spirit of anticipation, the road to the inaugural match is fraught with hurdles that could impact Infantino's vision and the future of the Club World Cup.
