US Will Host Expanded 32-Team Club World Cup In 2025
According to governing organization FIFA‘s announcement on Friday, the expanded 32-team Club World Cup will be held in the United States in 2025.
The United States is the best host for kicking off this new, international event, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The Club World Cup 2025 will be the pinnacle of elite professional men’s club football, and with the required facilities in place as well as a massive local interest,” said Infantino.
The tournament’s dates, host cities, and match schedule will all be decided at a later time, according to FIFA.
Along with Canada and Mexico, the US will also serve as the 2026 World Cup host nation.
Since 2005, the club World Cup has been conducted yearly with seven teams, or occasionally six teams, consisting of the six continental winners of the previous year and, if necessary, a host nation representative.
On February, FIFA made the expanded format official.
Four representatives from each of Asia, Africa, and CONCACAF, which encompasses North and Central America, as well as six from South America, 12 from Europe, including the five Champions Cup champions, and one each from Oceania and the host nation, will participate in the new competition.
The last game in the smaller format is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in December.
Six of the spots have already been decided, with Al Ittihad representing the host nation and five continental champions Manchester City, Leon of Mexico, Egyptian Al Ahly, Urawa Red Diamond from Japan, and Auckland City of New Zealand.
South America’s Copa America is still going on.
According to the current schedule, the bigger tournament wouldn’t begin for another year. According to reports, continental federations have requested FIFA to make sure its 2024 champions have the opportunity to compete for a world championship in 2019.
The choice on the host of the 2030 World Cup will now be made in the second half of next year, FIFA said on Friday, “to ensure additional consultation with all key stakeholders.” The decision was originally scheduled for September or October.
