FIFA president Gianni Infantino has delivered a glowing appraisal of the newly expanded Club World Cup, describing it as a landmark moment for the sport and a competition that finally answers the question of which club truly stands above the rest.
Speaking to The Athletic during a visit to Manhattan, Infantino was unwavering in his support for the reimagined tournament, which now features 32 teams in a summer competition format.
Despite facing criticism from players’ unions over fixture congestion, the FIFA chief insists the revamped event represents a monumental step forward for global football.
“Some might criticize it a little, but it’s new. It’s something special,” said Infantino, addressing concerns raised by FIFPRO and others about the physical toll on players. “It’s a real World Cup, with the best teams and the best players.”
The tournament, introduced to bridge the gap between domestic and international club competitions, is aimed at delivering a global spectacle on par with the men’s and women’s World Cups.
Infantino stressed that the concept had been long overdue in football history.
“It was about time someone invented a Club World Cup,” he said. “We’ve known for a century who the best national team is. But we never knew who the best club team was, until today. So we thought it would be a good idea to organize a World Cup to find out.”
His comments reflect FIFA’s determination to cement the tournament as a permanent fixture in the international football calendar, despite pushback from stakeholders concerned about player welfare and scheduling overload.
Infantino also claimed the reception among players has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, citing support from high-profile stars.
“They love it. Harry Kane recently said in an interview that he thought the tournament was fantastic. Those who weren’t there would have loved to have been there.”
In a symbolic gesture of commitment, Infantino’s name has even been engraved on the trophy awarded to the winners, underlining the personal significance he attaches to the competition’s success.
While debates around the tournament’s timing and impact continue, FIFA’s president remains convinced that the Club World Cup is already establishing itself as an essential and exciting addition to the global game.
