The Guardian reports that the 2029 Club World Cup is highly likely to be expanded to 48 teams, up from 32 in the 2025 edition in the USA.
FIFA introduced the Club World Cup in its current format after it was initially limited to seven teams. The inaugural edition was a resounding success, with Chelsea winning the title after defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
FIFA is now seriously considering a proposal to increase the number of participating teams to 48, making the Club World Cup similar to the World Cup in every aspect, including the qualification system for the second round.
FIFA believes the Club World Cup should include all major European clubs, especially since the absence of established giants like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Liverpool has negatively impacted the competition by all accounts.
UEFA was concerned that this new tournament would supplant the Champions League, especially given its exceptional financial rewards. However, these concerns have largely subsided following the 2025 edition.
Relations between UEFA and FIFA have improved significantly in recent months, leading Aleksander Čeferin, according to The Guardian, to welcome the option of expanding the Club World Cup, provided Gianni Infantino guarantees that the tournament will remain every four years, not every two as recently proposed.
It is worth noting that if the number of participating clubs is increased, the number of European clubs will rise to at least 16, up from 12.
