The revamped FIFA Club World Cup has quickly become a global hit, captivating fans with its expanded format, high-caliber matchups, and colossal prize pool. The inaugural edition, hosted in the United States, sparked immense interest from both supporters and broadcasters. With the tournament entering its final phases, all eyes are now on the question of what comes next.
The success of this tournament has only intensified the competition among nations eager to host the 2029 edition. Behind the scenes, four countries are already maneuvering to win FIFA’s approval, with one particular proposal raising eyebrows due to its bold suggestion — a return to winter soccer.
Previously held annually with fewer teams and lower stakes, the Club World Cup has now undergone a transformation. The new format resembles the World Cup for national teams, with 32 clubs battling it out every four years. The intent is clear: boost prestige, expand global reach, and dramatically increase revenue.
“FIFA did not expect the number of countries that now want to host the World Cup,” journalist Ignacio Marcano reported via Carrusel Deportivo. The sudden popularity of the competition has prompted FIFA to consider a formal vote, with multiple bidders now in play. Once dismissed by skeptics, the tournament is proving to be a commercial and competitive success — but it’s also exposing issues, particularly regarding player fatigue and extreme weather.
Meet the contenders: Four-way battle for 2029
Now, with the second edition looming on the horizon, four nations have stepped forward as candidates to host the 2029 Club World Cup: Qatar, Spain, Brazil, and Morocco.
Qatar: Winter wonderland… again?
Possibly the most daring bid, Qatar has proposed staging the tournament in winter, following the same controversial scheduling used for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This move would again disrupt the traditional European calendar — something that met fierce resistance just a few years ago.
Yet Qatar’s case is compelling. With nine state-of-the-art stadiums still operational and a compact geographic footprint, the Gulf nation boasts a ready-made infrastructure. The carbon-neutral promise and minimal travel logistics are being heavily emphasized in their pitch.
“This competition will not only mark the pinnacle of club soccer but also demonstrate a level of solidarity that will benefit clubs like never before,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino, signaling potential support for a Gulf-hosted edition.
Spain: Home of the Bernabeu
Spain was reportedly the first nation to express interest, with plans to use iconic venues like the Santiago Bernabeu. Hosting the tournament would represent another major milestone in the country’s soccer history, especially with Spain already confirmed as a co-host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco.
The country is banking on strong domestic interest, central location in Europe, and historical soccer pedigree.
Brazil: Back to soccer’s spiritual home
Brazil, too, has stepped forward. With a deep soccer culture and robust infrastructure, Brazil’s bid would aim to showcase South American club giants on home soil, tapping into the passion of fans in São Paulo, Rio, and beyond.
However, logistical and financial challenges remain — particularly compared to Qatar’s compact and cost-effective model.
Morocco: Quiet but serious
According to Marca, Morocco has quietly begun preparing its proposal despite already being committed to the 2030 World Cup. The North African country has hosted several major CAF and FIFA events recently and may benefit from its geographic proximity to Europe and growing international reputation.
