The 2029 Men's FIFA Club World Cup is a planned edition of FIFA's expanded club tournament, which is set to feature 32 teams from around the world. This tournament, originally scheduled to debut in its new format in 2025, represents a major shift from the previous seven-team annual event. The host country for the 2029 edition has not yet been announced, and the decision will be made by FIFA's Council, the organization's main decision-making body. The host will be responsible for providing stadiums, infrastructure, and logistical support for a month-long competition that could involve up to 63 matches. Interest in the 2029 host stems from the tournament's growing commercial value, with FIFA reportedly seeking broadcast and sponsorship deals worth billions of dollars. Countries like the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Japan have been mentioned as potential bidders, though no formal bids have been confirmed. The host selection process typically involves an evaluation of stadium capacity, transportation networks, accommodation, and government guarantees. The 2029 edition follows the first expanded tournament in 2025, which will be hosted by the United States. That event will serve as a test case for the new format, and its success or failure could influence FIFA's choice for 2029. The decision is also tied to FIFA's broader strategy of expanding its club competitions to generate revenue and increase global reach. The host announcement is expected to come after the 2025 tournament, possibly in 2026 or 2027, as FIFA typically confirms World Cup hosts four to five years in advance. The prediction market around this topic allows bettors to speculate on which country or countries will be selected, with outcomes tied to official announcements from FIFA or other recognized sources.

Historical Context

The Men's FIFA Club World Cup began in 2000 as a seven-team tournament, replacing the Intercontinental Cup that had been played between European and South American champions since 1960. The tournament was held annually, mostly in Japan, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates, with European clubs winning 15 of the 20 editions between 2000 and 2023. In 2019, FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed expanding the tournament to 24 teams, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the plan. In December 2022, FIFA announced a new 32-team format to be held every four years, starting in 2025. The 2025 edition was originally intended for China, but due to the pandemic and other issues, it was awarded to the United States in June 2023. The 2025 tournament will run from June 15 to July 13, 2025, and will feature clubs from all six confederations. The 2029 edition will be the second under the new format. FIFA's decision to expand the tournament has been controversial. The European Club Association (ECA) and some top clubs opposed the move, citing player workload and fixture congestion. In response, FIFA has promised increased revenue sharing and a more balanced calendar. The host selection for 2029 will likely consider factors such as time zone compatibility with key broadcast markets, existing stadium infrastructure, and government support. The United States, having hosted the 2025 edition, could be a repeat host, but FIFA may prefer to rotate the tournament to new regions. Saudi Arabia's successful hosting of the 2023 Club World Cup and its ongoing soccer investments make it a strong candidate. Japan, which hosted the tournament from 2005 to 2008 and again in 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016, has the experience and infrastructure to host again. Other potential bidders include Qatar, which hosted the 2019 and 2020 editions, and Morocco, which hosted in 2013 and 2022.