Fifa has agreed to establish a joint venture with the European Football Clubs lobby group to operate the Club World Cup, a move that is likely to result in more Premier League clubs entering the lucrative tournament. The restructured competition, which is expected to expand further for the 2029 edition, comes on the back of the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup held in the United States. Chelsea, winners of that first edition, earned approximately £84 million from their triumph, underscoring the financial incentive that is driving both Fifa and Europe’s top clubs to deepen their partnership. The joint venture signals a formal alignment between the sport’s global governing body and the powerful club lobby, paving the way for a more regular and lucrative cycle of the tournament.
Under the new arrangement, European clubs will have greater influence over the competition’s structure and commercial operations, a concession that addresses long-standing concerns about fixture congestion and prize distribution. The deal is widely seen as a compromise to secure the participation of elite clubs, many of whom had previously voiced scepticism about Fifa’s unilateral expansion plans. With more Premier League teams likely to qualify based on league performance rather than just continental success, the tournament could feature a broader range of English sides, increasing its appeal to broadcasters and sponsors alike. The joint venture essentially guarantees that the biggest clubs will have a seat at the table as the event evolves.
The expansion toward 2029 is expected