Has this Club World Cup format been a success?

The footballing landscape is on the cusp of a seismic shift, with the much-anticipated expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup set to redefine the global club calendar. From a relatively niche annual tournament featuring continental champions, the competition is poised to transform into a quadrennial, 32-team spectacle, aiming to truly crown the world’s best club on an unprecedented scale. As the countdown begins for the inaugural edition of this grand format in the United States in 2025, a critical question looms large: will this audacious vision prove to be a resounding success, or will it succumb to the myriad challenges it faces?

Proponents of the expanded format champion its potential to inject fresh excitement and significant financial investment into the global game. For FIFA, it represents a lucrative new revenue stream, while participating clubs stand to gain substantial prize money, a welcome boost for many outside Europe's elite. Beyond the economics, the new Club World Cup promises unparalleled exposure for teams from diverse confederations – Asia, Africa, North and South America, and Oceania – offering them a genuine platform to compete against the established giants of European football. This broader representation could foster new rivalries, inspire football development in emerging markets, and ultimately elevate the global appeal of club football, moving beyond a largely Euro-centric narrative. The prospect of seeing champions from different continents battle it out for a truly global title is, for many, an irresistible proposition, promising a tournament that transcends traditional boundaries.