Infantino compares 32-team tournament to historic 1930 World Cup
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says the new-look Club World Cup marks the beginning of a “historic new era” for football. The expanded tournament kicks off on Saturday in the United States, with Inter Miami taking on Egyptian side Al Ahly in the opening match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The revamped competition features 32 clubs from across the globe, and Infantino believes it could have an impact as significant as the inaugural FIFA World Cup, held in 1930 in Uruguay.
“It starts a new era of football, a new era of club football,” Infantino told AFP.
“A little bit like when, in 1930, the first World Cup started. Everyone today still talks about that tournament – this one is also historic.”
A global platform for clubs and players
Infantino said the new tournament gives clubs from outside Europe and South America a rare chance to shine on the global stage.
“We want to be inclusive. We want to give opportunities to clubs from all over the world,” he said.
“When you scratch the surface, football is the number one sport in the world – but the elite is very concentrated in a few countries and clubs. That has to change.”
He noted that the expanded Club World Cup allows players from over 80 countries to take part, including many who may never get the chance to play in a traditional World Cup.
“A good friend of mine, George Weah – a Ballon d’Or winner and African football legend – never played in a World Cup. But he could have played in a Club World Cup. That would’ve made his country proud,” said Infantino.
Responding to critics and ticketing concerns
Infantino dismissed criticism of the tournament’s value and concerns about adding to the football calendar.
“I’m convinced that as soon as the ball starts rolling, the whole world will realise this is something special,” he said.
“We don’t want to see empty stadiums. I believe they will be pretty full.”
There has been criticism of FIFA’s ticket pricing strategy, especially ‘dynamic pricing’, where prices change based on demand. Some fans have complained that tickets are too expensive, while others argue they are too cheap.
But Infantino defended the approach, including FIFA’s decision to offer discounted tickets for students in Miami.
“They criticise us if prices are too high, then they criticise us if they’re too low,” he said.
“When I was a student and had no money, I would have loved the chance to see a World Cup match at a discount.”
Economic success and free global viewing
Infantino confirmed that all revenue from the tournament – including a reported $1 billion global broadcasting deal with DAZN – would be reinvested back into football development.
He also highlighted that matches would be streamed for free on DAZN.
“Tell me one top competition today where you can watch football for free?” he asked.
“This shows our commitment to fans and to making the game accessible.”
Security remains a top priority
With some matches taking place near Los Angeles, where immigration-related protests have turned violent in recent weeks, Infantino said FIFA was closely monitoring the situation.
“Security is always a top priority,” he stated.
“We are in constant contact with local authorities. We want fans to enjoy the games in a safe environment.”
Looking ahead
Infantino said he would judge the tournament’s success based on a mix of inclusivity, fan engagement, and economic impact – but ultimately, he said, he would feel it “in his heart”.
“Let’s speak again at the end of the tournament,” he said.
“But already now, when I look at ticket sales and the free streams on offer, I feel positive. This is a new era.”