FIFA, the global governing body of football, has announced that the United States will host the first-ever expanded 32-team Club World Cup in 2025. The decision was confirmed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the eve of the 2022 World Cup final.
The tournament will feature 12 European clubs, including the previous three winners of the UEFA Champions League: Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. The USA, which is also set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, will serve as the ideal host to kick off this new global competition, according to Infantino.
Although the specific dates for the tournament have not been confirmed yet, it is expected to fill the summer slot previously occupied by the Confederations Cup, which is now defunct.
World Leagues Forum Expresses Concerns Over FIFA’s
While the plans have received support from the European Club Association, the World Leagues Forum has expressed concerns over FIFA’s unilateral decision to introduce the tournament into the calendar.
In addition to announcing the host for the Club World Cup, FIFA revealed that Indonesia would host the Under-17 World Cup. This decision comes after FIFA stripped Indonesia of the right to host the Under-20 World Cup due to its refusal to host the Israeli team.
The formal launch of the bidding process for the 2030 World Cup has been delayed, with bidding regulations now expected to be presented for approval at the next FIFA Council meeting in September or October. The announcement of the hosts for the 2030 World Cup has also been postponed until the final quarter of next year.
Moreover, FIFA disclosed that its 74th Congress would take place in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 17th. During the Congress, the voting for the host country of the 2027 Women’s World Cup will take place. Bids have been submitted by Brazil, South Africa, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and a combined bid by the United States and Mexico.
