FIFA stands against biennial Club World Cup despite pressure from top clubs

FIFA has rebuffed behind-the-scenes lobbying from clubs including Real Madrid to stage the revamped Club World Cup every two years, according to ESPN.

During the 2025 edition in the United States, representatives from several major European and South American clubs floated the idea of making the Club World Cup a biennial competition.

These clubs are reportedly eyeing the increased revenue. Chelsea won the 2025 edition of the new tournament and generated $114.6 million, while Madrid earned $82.5 million.

However, despite the financial windfall, FIFA views such a short turnaround as unfeasible.

Sources close to the governing body said it would be virtually impossible to replicate the $1 billion prize pool biennially.  

Also, fitting the expanded event into an already-congested global calendar will be an issue.

Instead, FIFA is pushing ahead with plans to host the next edition in 2029, with Qatar emerging as a potential host nation.

Having successfully staged the 2022 World Cup, Qatar boasts the infrastructure and funding required.

Unfortunately, scheduling remains complicated, with the tournament being forced into a December slot due to the Middle Eastern heat.

FIFA is also wary of provoking conflict with UEFA, whose club competitions dominate the calendar.

UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin snubbed the Club World Cup final, which was attended by top figures in the game amid reported tensions with FIFA.

Real Madrid want more frequent editions, bidding to bring in more revenue. They were one of the most prominent supporters of the European Super League.

Meanwhile, La Liga president Javier Tebas remains among the fiercest critics of the expanded Club World Cup format, describing it as disruptive and commercially shortsighted.

But FIFA is staying the course. The Club World Cup is once every four years.