The Club World Cup begins this weekend in the United States, with a first shock for PSG to play against Atlético de Madrid on Sunday (kick-off at 9 p.m. French time). This first edition at 32 clubs could well be the only one, the International Football Federation (FIFA) considering expanding the circle to 48 teams in four years, in 2029.
According to the Guardian, the idea of Gianni Infantino would be to bring together the biggest clubs on the football planet, at all costs, by allowing the leagues most in order to count not two but three representatives. This would have opened the 2025 tournament at FC Barcelona, Liverpool or Napoli for example. While ensuring Ligue 1 a probable second ambassador.
Six to eight more European clubs
If we refer to the current distribution of invitations, a transition to 48 engaged would mean for Europe six more places (from 12 to 18). For the South American area a gain of three tickets (from 6 to 9). Two additional sesames for Africa and Asia areas (from 4 to 6), even Concacaf (from 5 to 7). And a bonus ticket for the Oceania area (from 1 to 2), especially since Australia is a candidate for the organization of the 2029 World Cup.
The proportion of European beneficiaries could be superior even in view of the generosity granted to a Confederation (North American, Center-American and Caribbean) area over-represented in 2025-Organization in the USA forces. “” For the future, we are very open to the idea of considering formats that we will discuss with clubs and confederations. I firmly believe in the future of this competition “, Dixit Mattias Grafstrom, the secretary general of FIFA, surveyed on the question by The Athletic.
Lille and Monaco also apply
If the 2025 edition had counted 18 to 20 clubs from the old continent, then Liverpool, Leipzig, Barça, Naples, Ajax, Shakhtar Donetsk, Club Bruges and Sporting could have been within the limits of three participants per nation. To the merit of the hierarchy alone and out of the national ceilings, the Sevilla FC, AC Milan and Lazio would have preceded the last three nominees.
In view of the current classification, counting the exercise 2024-2025 and having to define the list of the next guests at the end of the 2027-2028 season, LOSC and AS Monaco-in the Top 20 of the moment-could be the World Cup for Clubs 2029. But OM, which returns this year to the Champions League intends to stand out for the second place in French football Serious candidate from the top of his 35e
row. Near Ajax, Newcastle and Napoli.
