Infantino hints at a bold, global future for the Club World Cup in 2029

What Infantino Revealed About 2029

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, dropped fresh insights about the future of the FIFA Club World Cup in an interview with AS. He praised the United States edition as a milestone and stressed the need to listen to everyone involved to build something that serves football.

He noted that the inaugural Club World Cup was a success not only financially but also on the field, emphasizing that the final between Chelsea and Paris Saint‑Germain featured players from 16 different nationalities across five continents—a contrast to the World Cup for national teams, which is often centered on a couple of nations or continents.

Looking Ahead: 2029 Hosting and Format

Infantino highlighted the tournament’s significance for clubs and players worldwide, saying it provides a global platform for stars to shine as European and American giants join strong teams from other continents.

He argued that club football is the sport’s backbone, played daily at clubs around the world, which is why there is a need for a global club competition of this format. Ongoing talks with all stakeholders aim to shape its development beyond the next World Cup.

There is talk of a possible 32-team format, perhaps expanding in the future, but no decision has been made about the host location yet; the organizers will take time after the World Cup to study the best options.

Infantino also recalled his lifelong love for football, naming idols and legends who shaped the game. He reflected on personal memories from the 1982 World Cup era and expressed admiration for figures who left a lasting mark on the sport.

He mentioned his support for Inter Milan and spoke about players who inspired him, such as Paolo Rossi, Evaristo Beccalossi, Alessandro Altobelli, Diego Maradona, Pelé, Ronaldo Nazario, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as influential Spaniards like Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas, and Puyol who helped define football history.

Infantino closed with a nod to the ongoing Brazil–Brazilian hosting discussion and the broader goal of uniting continents through football. He reminded readers that the sport’s global stage is always evolving, often with more questions than answers—but that’s half the fun. And for a last wink: if the calendar ever gets boring, football will gladly provide a few extra days of drama. Sniper joke 1: If the World Cup had more twists, even a referee would need a vacation after the final whistle. Sniper joke 2: And if you think your plan for 2029 is complicated, remember: football’s calendar can bend space and time like a goalkeeper shifting angles.