UEFA Backs FIFA’s 48-Team Club World Cup Expansion For 2029

In a sign of warming relations between football’s governing giants, UEFA is reportedly ready to support FIFA’s plan to expand the Club World Cup to 48 teams for the 2029 edition.

‎The move reflects improving ties between UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, whose relationship has previously been strained over global football governance issues.

‎A Shift in UEFA’s Stance

‎Historically, UEFA had opposed proposals to enlarge the Club World Cup, fearing that a bigger tournament could undermine the prestige and financial stability of the UEFA Champions League.

‎Concerns included fixture congestion, competitive imbalance, and the possibility that European clubs could be distracted from their domestic and continental commitments.

‎However, UEFA now appears willing to back FIFA’s vision, with a clear caveat, the tournament must not be held every two years. This compromise suggests that UEFA is seeking to safeguard its elite competitions while still participating in the growing global football calendar.

‎Real Madrid’s Influence and the End of the European Super League Saga

‎The Spanish giants Real Madrid have played a key role in discussions about the Club World Cup’s future.

‎Last year in Miami, Real proposed a biennial cycle for the tournament. UEFA and Europe’s domestic leagues resisted this, but the debate highlighted the desire of Europe’s biggest clubs to secure regular participation in a lucrative global competition.

‎Adding to the context, Real Madrid formally withdrew from the European Super League last week, ending a five-year legal battle with UEFA.

‎This move demonstrates a willingness from elite European clubs to align with FIFA and UEFA, under the shared leadership of Infantino, Čeferin, and Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who chairs the European Football Clubs Association.

‎FIFA’s Expansion Agenda

‎FIFA had already signalled its ambition to grow the Club World Cup following the 2025 US edition, where only 32 teams competed.

‎The failure of some of Europe’s biggest clubs Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester United to qualify highlighted a key issue the need to guarantee participation from top-tier European sides.

‎Infantino confirmed expansion plans in October at the European Football Clubs assembly in Rome, stating FIFA was looking “to see how we can make this event bigger, even better, even more impactful.”

‎Obstacles Ahead

‎While UEFA’s backing is significant, FIFA still faces legal and regulatory hurdles. The lobby group European Leagues has taken action against the European Commission, challenging FIFA over international match calendars, including decisions surrounding the Club World Cup.

‎UEFA also retains some concerns about the potential destabilising effects of large financial rewards on European football.

‎Nevertheless, an expansion to 48 clubs is widely considered less disruptive than implementing a biennial format. More European qualifiers are expected to join the tournament, likely increasing from 12 teams in the previous edition to 16 in 2029.

‎For context, Chelsea won £85 million from the £774 million prize pot last year, illustrating the financial stakes involved.

‎Improving Relations Between FIFA and UEFA

‎The support for expansion also reflects the thawing relationship between Čeferin and Infantino, which had hit a low point during last year’s FIFA Congress in Paraguay.

‎A walkout staged by European delegates, including Debbie Hewitt, protested Infantino’s delayed arrival after a diplomatic tour of the Middle East.

‎With both presidents likely to seek a fourth-term re-election next year, insiders suggest a period of calm is mutually beneficial. Cooperation over the Club World Cup is one of the first tangible signs of this reconciliation.

‎Hosts and Timing for the 2029 Edition

‎Spain and Morocco are currently favourites to host the expanded Club World Cup, which is set for the summer of 2029 a year before both nations co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

‎UEFA has declined to comment further, but the expectation is that European clubs will benefit significantly from the new format, both financially and competitively.