FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup 2025 officially kicks off this weekend in the United States, but not everyone is cheering. The 32-team tournament, backed by a staggering $1 billion prize pool, promises high stakes, global visibility, and elite football—but critics argue it may push the sport to breaking point.
What’s New: FIFA’s Mega Club Tournament
The revamped tournament features elite clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Chelsea. Up to seven matches will be played per team, culminating in the final on July 13. The top-performing European team could pocket up to $125 million.
However, the schedule is packed into an already oversaturated football calendar, prompting warnings from player unions and league officials alike.
Player Burnout: The Real Cost?
Portugal and PSG midfielder Vitinha is the perfect example of the crushing demands placed on modern stars. He’s already played 52 club matches this season, appeared in 8 international games, and now faces another month of competition in the U.S. His next break? Possibly mid-July — barely a month before Ligue 1 restarts.
“The problem is the accumulation of excessively long and intense seasons back to back,” said Maheta Molango, CEO of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) in England. “Players are exhausted. They’re losing holidays, rest, and recovery.”
Domestic Leagues Cry Foul
League administrators across Europe argue that FIFA is unilaterally reshaping football. Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, warns that the Club World Cup could distort the domestic ecosystem by handing massive financial boosts to participating teams.
For example, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa will earn nearly $10 million minimum—equal to the prize for winning multiple local titles. Meanwhile, Oceania’s Auckland City will take home $3.5 million just for appearing.
Winners and Losers
Winners: Big European clubs and emerging sides from smaller confederations stand to benefit most financially. FIFA also cements its influence over the club game, directly rivaling UEFA and other governing bodies.
Losers: Domestic leagues, overworked players, and national teams already struggling with congested schedules. Even the CONCACAF Gold Cup—also taking place in the U.S.—faces weakened squads as stars like Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah remain with Juventus for the Club World Cup.
Tuchel and Pochettino Disagree
England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed concern: “It gives clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal a huge advantage not to be there—more rest, more preparation.”
In contrast, PSG coach Luis Enrique hailed the event as “an incredible competition.” Former PSG coach and current U.S. boss Mauricio Pochettino admitted frustration but said, “That’s the circumstance—we must adapt.”
Player Unions Warn of Strikes
Global players union FIFPro has openly criticized the calendar crunch, hinting at possible strike actions if reforms aren’t implemented. Many fear that relentless match demands may lead to a sharp rise in injuries, mental health issues, and early retirements.
The Bigger Picture
While the Club World Cup 2025 may reshape global football by turning club competition into a pseudo-World Cup, the bigger question remains: at what cost?
Is this FIFA’s golden goose—or a ticking time bomb for football’s future?
