High-Stakes Debut: Fifa’s Billion-Dollar Club World Cup Launches Amid Doubts

MIAMI, June 10 — Boasting an eye-popping US$1 billion (RM4.2 billion) prize pool, football’s biggest stars, and top clubs from around the globe, Fifa’s revamped Club World Cup is aiming to make a grand entrance.

Set to run from June 14 to July 13 across the United States, the 32-team tournament has drawn criticism and scepticism since Fifa president Gianni Infantino first introduced the idea. As a new addition to an already packed football calendar, doubts remain over whether the competition can secure a permanent place in the global football landscape.

Player advocacy groups like Fifpro have warned about the strain on athletes, noting that players will be forced to compete after an exhausting 11-month season, with minimal time to rest before the next one begins.

The calendar crunch is evident. Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram and PSG’s Desire Doue featured in the UEFA Champions League final on May 31, then quickly switched to national team duties in the Nations League before rejoining their clubs for this Fifa event. Both Inter and PSG are expected to reach the tournament’s latter stages.

While knockout matches featuring Europe’s elite versus South America’s giants are expected to pack stadiums, group stage games involving lesser-known clubs from Asia, North America, and Africa may struggle to draw crowds. Matches like the June 17 showdown between South Korea’s Ulsan HD and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in Orlando will test the effectiveness of American sports marketing.

Still, Fifa is banking on global interest, offering free streaming through DAZN and promoting the tournament as a club-level counterpart to the World Cup.

“This is something the world has never seen before — a historic moment that will change the sport for generations to come,” said Infantino.

With star power driving fan engagement as much as clubs do, appearances by Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe are expected to fuel online buzz.

Europe is sending 12 clubs, including newly crowned Champions League winners PSG, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich. South America’s contingent features six teams, including Brazilian sides like Botafogo and Flamengo, and Argentine giants River Plate and Boca Juniors.

North American interest is bolstered by three MLS teams — LAFC, Seattle Sounders, and Messi’s Inter Miami — alongside Mexican clubs Pachuca and Monterrey. Africa’s representation includes four teams, led by Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, who will open the tournament against Inter Miami on June 14. Asia’s four clubs include Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.

American fans have consistently filled stadiums for European club friendlies held in NFL venues. With a competitive edge now added, top-tier matchups are expected to draw solid attendance.

Initially, critics questioned how seriously clubs would treat the new competition — but Fifa’s billion-dollar incentive package, which includes participation fees and a potential US$125 million payday for the winners, has largely silenced those doubts.

Fifa currently envisions the tournament taking place every four years, but that could change depending on how well the inaugural edition is received.

If it flops, critics will call for its cancellation. But if it succeeds, pressure may mount for the event to become a more frequent fixture. — AFP