sports Exclusive by Matt Hughes

Club World Cup likely to expand for 2029 with more Premier League clubs involved

Fifa agrees joint venture with lobby group EFC Next edition poised to expand from 32 to 48 clubs Fifa has agreed to create a joint venture with the lobby group European Football ...

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Club World Cup likely to expand for 2029 with more Premier League clubs involved
Source: Exclusive by Matt Hughes

FIFA Partners with Club Lobby Group to Expand Club World Cup to 48 Teams for 2029

ZURICH — In a move set to reshape the landscape of elite global football, FIFA has agreed to establish a landmark joint venture with the European Football Clubs (EFC) lobby group to co-operate the FIFA Club World Cup. The strategic partnership is poised to pave the way for a major expansion of the tournament, increasing the field from 32 to 48 teams in time for the 2029 edition. This restructuring is highly likely to secure additional qualification slots for English Premier League sides, further cementing their dominance in the lucrative competition.

The drive for expansion follows the massive commercial success of the tournament's revamped format. Chelsea secured an estimated £84 million in prize money and broadcasting revenue after winning the inaugural 32-team iteration, a windfall that quickly caught the attention of rival European powerhouses. Eager to secure a share of this growing revenue stream, top-tier continental clubs successfully lobbied FIFA through the newly formed EFC to expand the tournament, ensuring a more accessible path to qualification for elite teams who might otherwise miss out during transition seasons.

Key Implications of the FIFA-EFC Joint Venture

  • Premier League Windfall: The expansion to 48 teams will allow more English clubs to qualify, significantly boosting their global brand reach and commercial revenue.
  • Shared Governance: The joint venture grants European clubs a direct say in the commercialization, broadcasting rights, and scheduling of the tournament.
  • Increased Calendar Congestion: Adding 16 more teams will inevitably prolong the tournament, intensifying the ongoing scheduling conflicts between FIFA, continental confederations, and domestic leagues.

While the financial prospects have delighted club executives, the decision is expected to draw sharp criticism from player unions and domestic league organizers already protesting an overcrowded football calendar. Representatives from FIFPRO, the global players' union, have repeatedly warned that player workloads have reached a breaking point. However, with FIFA and the EFC united in their commercial vision, the financial momentum behind the Club World Cup's expansion appears unstoppable as the sport moves toward a highly globalized, club-centric future.