For the first time in football history, the FIFA Club World Cup will feature 32 teams competing in a summer tournament hosted across the United States, marking a significant shift from its traditional format.
The revamped tournament, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has received mixed reactions from clubs, players, and fans. According to reports, ticket sales have been sluggish, with predictions of up to 45,000 empty seats for Saturday's opening match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly.
FIFA initially struggled to secure broadcasting rights until DAZN acquired them for an impressive $1 billion. This deal came shortly before Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund invested $1 billion in DAZN, raising questions about the financial motivations behind the tournament's new structure.
US Hosting Signals Growth of Football in America
Victor Mbidi, an international Multimedia Broadcast Journalist based in Washington, expressed enthusiasm about the tournament's location: "I feel really excited that the competition is holding in the United States. This represents the growth of the MLS and will increase the global appeal of the league."
"David Beckham's transfer to LA Galaxy, Thierry Henry to New York FC and most recently Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, are among factors that have given the league a higher standing in the footballing world since the United States hosted the World Cup in 1994," Mbidi told BenriNews.
He added that the tournament serves as "a prelude of what to expect next year during the World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada."
Controversies and Concerns
Despite the excitement, the tournament has faced criticism. Seattle Sounders players wore T-shirts with 'Club World Cash Grab' printed on them to protest the competition's payment structure.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about European dominance, with 12 teams from Europe participating, potentially creating an imbalance in representation from other continents.
"But overall, the timing of the format has been long overdue," Mbidi noted.
Global Fan Support and African Representation
The tournament will feature football giants like Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. When asked about which clubs might have the largest fan bases in the US, Mbidi suggested: "The usual suspects will most likely have the biggest fan base. Talking about European giants, Real Madrid, Man City, PSG and the likes but home-based clubs like Lionel Messi's Inter Miami surely possesses the intimidating fans."
Africa will be represented by three clubs: Al-Ahly of Egypt (12-time African champions and CAF's African Club of the 20th Century), Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa, and Botola Pro from Morocco.
Despite facing tough competition, with Botola Pro set to play Manchester City and Juventus within four days, Mbidi remains optimistic about African prospects: "I expect to see an African team, against all odds, lift the trophy at the Met Life Stadium in New Jersey on July 13."
The FIFA Club World Cup will run from June to July 2025, culminating with the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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