Club World Cup 2025 Could Reshape Football Calendar and Club Dynamics
FIFA Club World Cup 2025
The highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to begin in the United States this weekend, featuring an expanded 32-team format. With a staggering $1 billion in total prize money, the competition promises both excitement and controversy. While it marks a new era in global club football, concerns are rising about its long-term impact on domestic competitions and player well-being.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Overloaded Calendar, Massive Stakes
The tournament, scheduled across June and July 2025, includes top teams from around the world. Europe is sending 12 elite clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea. The top-performing team could earn up to $125 million, making it one of the most financially rewarding events in football history.
However, the addition of such a massive event to an already saturated football calendar has sparked backlash. Critics argue that the tournament increases pressure on top players, with some clubs potentially playing up to seven matches in the space of a month.
Eyes on the prize. 🏆 #TakeItToTheWorld | #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/qqqhMrvbES
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 1, 2025
Domestic Imbalance and Rest Advantage
The financial rewards available in the Club World Cup 2025 could further widen the gap between elite clubs and the rest. Teams not participating — like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona — may lose out on prize money but could benefit in other ways.
England manager Thomas Tuchel believes skipping the tournament might actually offer clubs an edge next season.
“It will give Liverpool and Arsenal a huge advantage next season to not be there,” he noted, referencing the much-needed recovery time their players will get.
Meanwhile, Javier Tebas, president of Spain’s La Liga, warned that the new format may damage domestic league ecosystems.
“The Club World Cup model affects national leagues, especially in Europe,” he said in a recent radio interview.
Uneven Impact Across Continents
While European giants battle for massive prizes, clubs from smaller footballing regions will also benefit significantly — perhaps disproportionately. Mamelodi Sundowns, representing South Africa, are guaranteed almost $10 million, a figure equivalent to winning multiple domestic league titles.
Auckland City, a semi-professional team from Oceania, is already dominating in its region. Now, it stands to earn $3.5 million just for appearing in the tournament. For their players, participating in the Club World Cup may be a career-defining moment, but for elite professionals, it’s an added physical and mental burden.
#FIFACWC worldwide. 🌐🗺️ pic.twitter.com/jKsAYjOYD5
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 10, 2025
Rising Player Fatigue and Injury Risks
Top players are being stretched to their limits by non-stop football. PSG midfielder Vitinha has played 52 matches this season, including the Champions League final against Inter Milan. In addition, he featured in eight international games for Portugal, including the Nations League finals, and now faces another tournament in the United States — all without a proper break.
Next season’s domestic leagues begin in mid-August, giving players like Vitinha less than a month of rest — if any. And with the 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 taking place in North America next summer, recovery time is practically nonexistent.
Maheta Molango, CEO of the Professional Footballers’ Association in England, echoed growing concerns:
“The issue is the accumulation of back-to-back long and intense seasons. Players aren’t just thinking about this summer — they’re worried they might not have a holiday for years.”
Pick your #FIFACWC fantasy team now! 🕹️
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 10, 2025
Pushback from Domestic Leagues
Football leagues across Europe have voiced strong opposition to the Club World Cup’s scheduling. According to Mathieu Moreuil of the Premier League, the global football calendar is now “beyond saturation.”
“International organisations, especially FIFA, have continuously added fixtures. It’s unrealistic and unsustainable,” Moreuil said.
The Club World Cup 2025 also clashes with existing tournaments such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which is being played at the same time in the U.S. For example, USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino is missing key players Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah, who are competing with Juventus in the Club World Cup.
Divided Opinions on the Tournament's Value
While some stakeholders criticize the tournament for adding to the strain, others view it as a valuable innovation in global club football. Luis Enrique, head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, welcomed the new format:
“I think it is an incredible competition.”
That optimism, however, is not shared universally. The FIFPro players’ union has warned that the FIFA Club World Cup places undue stress on players and may lead to long-term consequences, including burnout, injuries, and mental fatigue.
The path to #FIFACWC glory. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Gh3ONFiQPe
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 4, 2025
A Critical Juncture for Global Football
As the first edition of the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup unfolds, all eyes will not only be on the football but also on the ripple effects it causes. The increased prize money and visibility may benefit clubs and the governing body, but they come at a cost — one that may be paid by players and domestic leagues.
In the coming years, the tournament could redefine global club football, either as a platform for international growth or as a warning sign of how far the sport can be stretched before it begins to break.
