FIFA has announced that the Club World Cup will expand to 48 teams from 2029, a move that paves the way for giants such as Barcelona and Liverpool to return to the competition.
The last edition, held in the United States in June and July, featured 32 teams for the first time. English club Chelsea lifted the trophy after defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 in the final. But the absence of top sides including Liverpool, Barcelona and Napoli drew criticism, as qualification was based strictly on performances from the previous season. Even league champions from England, Spain and Italy were left out.
In response to the controversy, FIFA confirmed that the 2029 tournament will feature 48 clubs, with a maximum of three teams allowed from each country. The change is expected to ensure broader representation and greater participation from Europe’s elite.
Analysts view the decision as a result of pressure from football’s most powerful clubs and leagues, which argued that excluding champions from major competitions undermined the tournament’s credibility. By expanding the field, FIFA aims to restore prestige, boost global viewership and secure greater commercial success.
The 2029 edition is now set to be bigger, more competitive and financially more lucrative than ever before.
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