Club World Cup set to expand to 48 teams by 2029 with more Premier League clubs set to qualify

Fifa has taken a major step toward reshaping world club football by agreeing to a joint venture with the European Football Clubs (EFC) lobby group to run the Club World Cup. The next edition, likely in 2029, is poised to expand from 32 to 48 teams, opening the door for more Premier League clubs to enter the lucrative competition.

The move comes after Chelsea pocketed an eye-watering £84 million from winning last year's inaugural 32-team tournament. That colossal payday has sent shockwaves through Europe's elite, with big clubs now lobbying hard for an even bigger slice of the pie. Expansion from 32 to 48 teams would dramatically increase the number of qualifying spots, especially for English sides.

For Premier League fans, this means more mid-season global fixtures on the calendar. While the extra cash is tempting, the added travel and fixture congestion could spark fierce debate among managers, players, and supporters. The joint venture with EFC — which represents top European clubs — signals that Fifa is serious about monetising the competition on a scale that rivals the Champions League.

The 48-team format would likely involve a longer group stage and additional knockout rounds, stretching the tournament over several weeks. For clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool, who missed out on last year's tournament, this could be their golden ticket to a multi-million-pound windfall.

But there are downsides. Domestic leagues may see their prestige diluted if top clubs prioritise the Club World Cup. Smaller European teams outside the traditional elite might find qualifying even harder. And fans? They'll be torn between the thrill of global competition and the fear of burnout for their favourite players.

What's clear is that the Club World Cup is no longer a glorified friendly: it's becoming a serious financial and competitive fixture. With Fifa and Europe's biggest clubs now in bed together, the 2029 edition could finally give club football a true world champion — but at a cost to the sport's traditional rhythm.