FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed the newly expanded Club World Cup as the dawn of a “new era” in global football, likening it to the inaugural FIFA World Cup held in 1930.
Speaking in an interview with AFP ahead of the tournament’s kickoff this Saturday, Infantino said the 32-team event represents a historic shift toward inclusivity in the sport. The competition begins with Inter Miami taking on Egypt’s Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
“It starts a new era of football, a new era of club football,” said Infantino. “A little bit like when, in 1930, the first World Cup started. Everyone today speaks about the very first World Cup. That’s why this Club World Cup is also historic.”
Infantino emphasized that the tournament, which brings together clubs from every continent, is designed to give opportunities to teams and players from outside football’s traditional powerhouses in Europe and South America. He noted that more than 80 countries are represented through club squads.
“This is about globalising football, truly,” he said. “We want to be inclusive. We want clubs from every corner of the world to compete and shine.”
Citing African legend and Ballon d’Or winner George Weah as an example, Infantino highlighted that some of the game’s greats never played in a World Cup, but could have found a global stage through such a club tournament.
Responding to concerns over match congestion and slow ticket sales, Infantino was optimistic. He defended FIFA’s dynamic ticket pricing and efforts to attract students, insisting full stadiums were a key goal. “They criticise when prices are high, they criticise when they’re low. But we want fans, especially young fans, to be part of this,” he said.
Infantino also pointed to the tournament’s strong commercial performance, including a global broadcasting deal with DAZN reportedly worth $1 billion. Matches are being streamed free of charge worldwide.
Asked how success would be measured, Infantino said, “I’ll feel it in my heart. But when I look at ticket sales and TV rights, I already feel positive.”
With matches held in U.S. cities like Miami and near Los Angeles, areas recently embroiled in immigration protests—Infantino assured fans that security remains a top priority. “We’re in close contact with authorities. Fans must feel safe,” he said.
The 2025 Club World Cup is seen as a major step in FIFA’s efforts to reshape the football calendar and increase the global appeal of club-level competition.
Written By Rodney Mbua
