The Club World Cup is set for a major transformation as FIFA prepares to expand the competition to 48 teams, paving the way for more Premier League sides to take part. This development follows a significant new partnership between FIFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC) lobby group, marking a fresh chapter in global club football.

FIFA and EFC join hands for 2029 edition

FIFA has confirmed plans to form a joint venture with EFC to manage the Club World Cup, with The Guardian reporting that the upcoming 2029 edition could feature 48 participating teams. This collaboration is expected to result in more spots for English clubs in what will be one of the most lucrative football tournaments in history.

Headed by Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the EFC represents over 700 European clubs and already maintains a similar partnership with UEFA for continental competitions. FIFA is said to have been impressed by EFC’s efforts in boosting UEFA’s commercial revenues for the Champions League and other club tournaments, which are projected to rise by roughly 25% in the 2027–2031 cycle.

Opportunities for Premier League giants

The expansion plan follows criticism after the inaugural 32-team edition excluded champions from major leagues such as England, Spain, and Italy. This was due to FIFA’s entry rules limiting participation to four past Champions League winners and eight clubs with the highest UEFA coefficients, alongside a maximum of two clubs per country.

The EFC is reportedly pushing to remove that country cap to ensure elite clubs from Europe’s top leagues can compete. This could open the door for Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City—all currently within UEFA’s top eight coefficient rankings. Organisers believe that by adding more European teams, the Club World Cup’s global appeal and commercial value will increase dramatically, particularly in terms of television rights deals.

Massive financial incentives

The motivation behind the expansion is largely financial. Chelsea’s success in the previous 32-team tournament demonstrated the potential profitability of the event, as the London club reportedly earned about £84 million from their triumph. That figure has inspired other major European clubs to advocate for an expanded competition to enhance their own qualification prospects and earning potential.

Although the £740 million total prize fund has been distributed—with winners Chelsea believed to have taken home £84 million—issues remain over unfulfilled solidarity payments. The EFC is currently focused on finalising a redistribution plan for the £185 million owed to clubs globally from the last tournament, which has yet to be paid in full.

Improved relations within global football

The partnership signifies a marked improvement in the relationship between FIFA and Europe’s top clubs. Prior to the first expanded Club World Cup hosted in the United States, tensions were high as FIFA insisted on managing the competition independently. However, cooperation has since strengthened, exemplified by Real Madrid’s return to the EFC after withdrawing from the controversial Super League project.

Once outstanding payment issues from the 2025 tournament are addressed, FIFA and EFC plan to shift attention entirely to the 2029 event. The six continental confederations still need to determine how the £185 million solidarity fund will be distributed. After that, discussions are expected to intensify around the final structure of the 2029 Club World Cup, which could see the competition expand to a record 48 teams.