FIFA Eyes Biennial Club World Cup from 2029, Plans Possible Expansion

Published: 18 August 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

FIFA is exploring the possibility of holding the Club World Cup every two years starting in 2029, a move likely to intensify pressure on the international football calendar and draw renewed criticism from the Premier League and UEFA.

The next edition of the tournament is scheduled in four years, following the inaugural expanded 32-team competition hosted in the United States this summer. However, leading European clubs have reportedly urged FIFA to consider a biennial format to provide more frequent opportunities for participation and revenue generation. Real Madrid is said to have raised the proposal during discussions in Miami in June, a stance now backed by other top clubs such as Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Napoli, who missed out on this year’s edition.

Chelsea, as this year’s winners, received £85 million in prize money, highlighting the lucrative financial incentives prompting other European clubs to seek inclusion. The allocation rules, which limit participation to a maximum of two clubs per country, left Liverpool unable to compete despite meeting qualification criteria, with Chelsea and Manchester City securing the English slots as recent Champions League winners. Exceptions apply if multiple clubs from one country win continental competitions in the qualifying period, as seen in Brazil this year.

FIFA sources indicated that while the 2027 Club World Cup schedule remains fixed, the biennial model may be considered for 2029 onwards, with discussions extending to 2031. The organization’s current planning is constrained by the international match calendar, which remains set until 2030 under a memorandum of understanding with the European Clubs Association.

The move is complicated by ongoing legal challenges from World Leagues, representing groups including the Premier League, alongside support from global players’ union FIFPro. They have lodged complaints with the European Commission accusing FIFA of “abuse of dominance” for failing to consult leagues and players on scheduling decisions. Introducing a biennial Club World Cup could heighten tensions, though both sides acknowledge that the post-2030 global calendar is open for negotiation.

As part of potential adjustments, FIFA may consider removing the June international break to ease player workloads and create space for club competitions. UEFA, which stages its Nations League finals during summer, is expected to oppose such changes. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has voiced concerns over expanding the Club World Cup, emphasizing that leagues and players have not been properly consulted and highlighting the potential impact on the domestic season.

FIFA is also reviewing qualification rules for the 2029 edition, including the possibility of lifting the two-club-per-country limit and expanding the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, consistent with the new formats for the men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women’s World Cup in 2031. Following this year’s US-hosted event, FIFA plans to conduct a formal bidding process for future tournaments, with Qatar, Spain, and Morocco expressing interest in hosting the 2029 edition.