For the first time in football history, FIFA's 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 competition, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has received a lukewarm reception from clubs, players, and fans alike. According to reports, the tournament's opening match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly could see as many as 45,000 empty seats, highlighting concerns about interest levels.
FIFA initially struggled to secure broadcasting rights until DAZN acquired them for an impressive $1 billion. The subsequent $1 billion investment in DAZN from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has raised questions about the financial motivations behind the tournament's expansion.
Mixed Reactions to the New Format
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," Mbidi told BenriNews. "This represents the growth of the MLS and will increase the global appeal of the league."
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."
However, the competition has faced criticism. Seattle Sounders players wore T-shirts with 'Club World Cash Grab' printed on them to protest the tournament's payment structure. Additionally, concerns have been raised about Europe's dominant representation with 12 teams participating.
African Representation and Expectations
Africa will be represented by three clubs: Al Ahly of Egypt (qualified as 2020-21 CAF Champions League winners), Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa, and Botola Pro from Morocco (2021-22 CAF Champions League winners).
Al Ahly, 12-time African champions and CAF's African Club of the 20th Century, are considered the continent's strongest contender. Despite facing challenging groups—Botola Pro will 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," he stated.
European Giants and Fan Support
The tournament will feature European powerhouses including Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. When asked about which clubs might have the largest fan support 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."
He also noted that "home-based clubs like Lionel Messi's Inter Miami surely possesses the intimidating fans" while predicting strong support for African and South American teams from their respective diaspora communities.
The Club World Cup final is scheduled for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the first global club champion under the new format will be crowned.
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