The inaugural 32-team Club World Cup, scheduled to take place every four years, will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13. While FIFA has remained tight-lipped about the tournament’s financial details, it has secured significant backing in recent weeks, including a major broadcasting deal and high-profile sponsorships.
In December, British streaming platform DAZN secured exclusive global broadcasting rights for the event in a deal reportedly worth around €1 billion ($1.05 billion). Additionally, FIFA has partnered with corporate giants such as Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Chinese electronics brand Hisense, and Belgian brewer AB InBev.
Expansion Sparks Controversy
The expanded format of the Club World Cup has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from European stakeholders, who argue that the increased number of matches could jeopardize player welfare. In October, global players’ union FIFPro and the European Leagues association filed a complaint with the European Commission, accusing FIFA of overloading the football calendar and abusing its dominant position.
The criticism comes amid broader concerns about the growing demands on players. UEFA’s expansion of the Champions League this season, which now features 36 clubs and offers €2.47 billion ($2.66 billion) in total prize money, has also been met with resistance. High-profile players, including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, have even raised the possibility of a strike.
“I think we are close to that,” Rodri said in September when asked about the potential for player strikes. “If you ask any player, he will say the same. It’s not just my opinion—it’s the general opinion of the players.”
Tournament Format and Participants
The 2024 Club World Cup will feature 12 teams from Europe, six from South America, and four each from Asia, Africa, and North and Central America. The lineup also includes Auckland City and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, adding star power to the competition.
Despite the backlash, some voices in the football world have welcomed the new tournament. Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Once every four years, there’s this new, extremely exciting competition. Everyone wants to go to the Club World Cup.”
Venues and Final
The tournament will be hosted across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities, with the final set to take place at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium—the same venue that will host the 2026 World Cup final.
As the football world prepares for this landmark event, the debate over player welfare and the growing commercialization of the sport shows no signs of slowing down.