Real Madrid push for Club World Cup every two years, even after a 4-0 drubbing by PSG
Real Madrid are at it again, not content with just lifting trophies and cashing cheques, they now want the Club World Cup to be held every two years. Yep, biennial glory (and revenue) is the new campaign slogan at the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to reports, Los Blancos floated the idea to FIFA during the recent edition of the tournament held in the United States. While the competition is currently set to happen once every four years, with the next one due in 2029, Real think that’s too slow a grind for what could be football’s next big cash cow.
And here’s the kicker: Real didn’t even make it to the final. Xabi Alonso’s men got thumped 4-0 by eventual runners-up PSG in the semifinals. Brutal scoreline, sure, but off the pitch? That’s where Madrid’s real influence kicked in.
The club reportedly accounted for 25% of all ticket sales during the tournament. No wonder they’re pushing for more editions. With a €1.2 billion loan taken for the Bernabéu facelift, Florentino Pérez has his eyes firmly locked on the global wallet or “growth opportunities.”
FIFA, however, seem more interested in bumping up the number of participating clubs rather than doubling the tournament’s frequency. Plans to expand from 32 to 48 teams are reportedly in motion.
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Who’s already in for 2029?
Despite winning the inaugural version of the expanded Club World Cup, Chelsea aren’t yet confirmed for the next edition. In fact, the only European team currently locked in is PSG, thanks to their Champions League triumph in 2024/25.
Here are the four clubs already booked for 2029:
PSG (France) – Champions League winners 2024/25
Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) – AFC Champions League winners 2024/25
Cruz Azul (Mexico) – Concacaf Champions Cup winners 2025
Pyramids FC (Egypt) – CAF Champions League winners 2024/25
Yep, it’s shaping up to be an eclectic mix already.
Where will the 2029 tournament be held?
As of now, there’s no confirmed host for 2029. But there are whispers.
Brazil has openly positioned itself as a contender. Qatar, still riding the wave of its 2022 hosting duties, is also in the running. Meanwhile, FIFA is reportedly toying with the idea of spreading games across multiple countries, possibly tying it in with the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
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But don’t count on Portugal, they haven’t shown much interest in hosting the club edition.
In the meantime, Real Madrid may not have left the last Club World Cup with silverware, but they certainly left with an agenda. If Florentino Pérez has his way, this tournament won’t just be every four years, it’ll be filling calendars, and club coffers, much more frequently.
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