FIFA President Gianni Infantino says the new Club World Cup, starting this Saturday, is the beginning of a “new era” in football. He compared it to the very first FIFA World Cup held in 1930.
This new tournament will feature 32 clubs from all around the world, giving teams from outside Europe and South America a chance to shine. It kicks off with Inter Miami playing against Egypt’s Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Infantino said this Club World Cup is about making football truly global. He explained that, even though football is the most popular sport in the world, the best teams are still mostly in a few countries. This tournament, he said, gives clubs and players from over 80 countries the chance to compete on a big stage.
He also mentioned how this could give countries that usually don’t play in the World Cup a reason to feel proud. He gave the example of George Weah, the only African Ballon d’Or winner, who never played in a World Cup. With this new format, he could have.
Infantino dismissed complaints about fixture congestion and low ticket sales. He said critics will change their minds once the matches begin and fans see the quality and excitement. He also defended FIFA’s ticket pricing, saying they offered discounts to students to make the games more accessible.
The event has already signed a major broadcasting deal worth $1 billion with DAZN, and games will be streamed for free. Infantino believes the success will be measured not only in money, but in how people feel about it.
He also promised that fan safety is a top concern, especially with games happening near recent protests in Los Angeles.
