FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the expanded Club World Cup, which begins this Saturday, as the start of a “new era” for global football.
In an interview with AFP, Infantino compared the 32-team tournament to the first-ever FIFA World Cup held in 1930, saying this version of the Club World Cup will also make history.
“This is a new era for club football,” said Infantino. “Just like the 1930 World Cup, people will look back at this moment as historic.”
The tournament kicks off with a match between Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Clubs from every continent will compete in this first-of-its-kind format.
Infantino said the goal is to make football more inclusive and truly global, allowing clubs outside Europe and South America to shine on the world stage.
“Football is the number one sport globally, but when you look closely, most of the elite clubs and players are concentrated in just a few countries,” he said. “This tournament gives clubs and players from other parts of the world a real chance.”
He added that more than 80 nations will be represented through the players taking part. “Some countries may never qualify for a national World Cup, but now their players and fans can still be part of something big,” Infantino noted.
He used the example of George Weah, the legendary Liberian player and Ballon d’Or winner who never got to play in a World Cup. “A player like Weah would have had a stage like this,” he said.
Defending FIFA’s Ticket Policy
The tournament’s ticket pricing has faced criticism, especially in the U.S., due to a system of “dynamic pricing” where ticket costs rise or fall depending on demand. Some games have seen low ticket sales, but Infantino defended FIFA’s approach.
He explained that FIFA offered big discounts to students in Miami to fill the seats. “Some people complain when tickets are too high. Then they complain again when we make them affordable,” he said. “We don’t want empty stadiums.”
He believes fans will come around once the games begin. “As soon as the ball starts rolling, people will see the value of this competition. It’s something special.”
A Financial and Cultural Success
The Club World Cup has already secured a major broadcasting deal with DAZN, said to be worth $1 billion. Infantino emphasized that all revenue will be reinvested into football development worldwide.
Asked how he would measure the tournament’s success, Infantino said, “We’ll talk at the end, but even now, I feel positive. Just look at the ticket numbers and TV rights.”
He also pointed out that the matches will be free to stream on DAZN. “Tell me another top football competition you can watch for free,” he said.
With some matches taking place near Los Angeles, which has recently seen unrest over immigration policies, Infantino stressed that FIFA is working closely with local authorities to ensure fan safety.
“Security is a top priority,” he said. “We want fans to enjoy the games in a safe environment.”
The 2025 Club World Cup is the biggest version yet, and if Infantino’s vision holds true, it may reshape how the world views club football.
