Infantino's Gamble: Will Club World Cup Shine or Flop?

Tue Oct 21 2025 06:30:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino bets his legacy on the upcoming 32-team Club World Cup, but challenges loom ahead.

With the Club World Cup on the horizon, FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s vision faces skepticism. While hopes are high for a global soccer spectacle, funding issues and player health concerns cast a shadow on the tournament's success.

Next summer, soccer fans will turn their eyes to the United States as FIFA kicks off its ambitious 32-team Club World Cup. This tournament, aimed at uniting global talent on the field, is pivotal for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whose name appears twice on the trophy. Seen as his legacy project, the event hopes to cement soccer’s place in the global sports landscape.

However, not everything is smooth sailing. Legal battles are brewing in Europe over FIFA's rapid expansion of events, raising concerns about player well-being amidst a congested schedule. Moreover, fans are questioning the integrity of the competition, especially with Inter Miami potentially securing a spot despite failing to excel in their domestic league.

With just months to go before the tournament kicks off, details about the financial framework remains murky. Although FIFA has been cautious with future revenue projections, big clubs like Real Madrid are demanding hefty fees for participating. As the tournament draw approaches, all eyes are on whether Infantino's grand vision will emerge victorious or fade into uncertainty.