FIFA’s Club World Cup is now open, but will anyone attend?

The Club World Cup, FIFA’s newest elite international tournament, has launched in Miami, making it a major historical moment for football, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino touting it as a ‘game-changer’. 

It seems that not everyone is convinced. The US-hosted tournament started with a lavish Hard Rock Stadium opening ceremony. Inter Miami led by Lionel Messi drew with Al Ahly at 0-0.

Infantino is a major figure in the global football world. He has led this ambitious expansion from a modest 7-team event to 32 teams, in an attempt to rival Premier League and Champions League in prestige, and of course revenue.

FIFA’s Club World Cup is facing big obstacles

There are already many obstacles to the event, such as legal disputes in Europe and threats of strike by players. Also, there is concern about burnout among some of the stars, who should be on holiday. FIFA is criticized for its overreach, as they have traditionally focused more on the national teams and their impact on domestic leagues. Yet Infantino’s vision finally prevailed, with his name etched twice on the Tiffany & Co.-crafted trophy, to be awarded on July XIII.

It is now a quadrennial tournament, and teams such as Paris Saint-Germain have already qualified. Luis Enrique, PSG’s coach, believes that it will become a major event.

This expanded Club World Cup is a major departure from the past, despite football’s global nature. There is skepticism about the fan’s appetite for another tournament on an already packed calendar. Tickets for the opening match cost $349 and attracted over 60,000 people. However, it’s not clear if this is a tournament that everyone can afford. The time will tell whether the tournament lives up to Infantino’s lofty expectations or continues to be a divisive addition to football’s already crowded calendar.

Even though debates continue about its long-term effect and necessity, the successful launch of this project is a testament of his influence.