The countdown to the start of the expanded Club World Cup has begun, with just 100 days remaining until the tournament kicks off in the United States on June 14. This edition of the tournament will feature 32 teams, mirroring the format of the national team World Cup for the first time. However, concerns have been raised about the additional workload on players, as well as high ticket prices.
FIFA has announced a staggering $1 billion in prize money for the Club World Cup, which will be distributed among all 32 participating clubs. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has emphasized that all revenue generated by the tournament will be shared with the clubs, with FIFA not retaining any funds.
To gain insight into how the clubs themselves view the tournament, The Athletic reached out to teams and senior figures for their perspectives. Fifteen of the participating teams responded to the enquiries, sharing their thoughts on the upcoming competition.
Among the clubs gearing up for the tournament is Chelsea from England, who have been taking the Club World Cup seriously for a long time. They have made strategic decisions, such as parting ways with their head coach Mauricio Pochettino to ensure stability going into the tournament. Chelsea view the event as an opportunity to showcase their talent and potentially win some silverware.
Seattle Sounders from the United States see the Club World Cup as a generational opportunity to showcase their club, city, and fan base on a global stage. The tournament provides them with a chance to engage with new fans and players, as well as promote soccer in the U.S.
Egyptian club Al Ahly is looking forward to the tournament and aims to present themselves to a wider audience. They see the Club World Cup as an opportunity to test themselves against top teams from around the world and interact with different opponents on a global stage.
Wydad AC from Morocco views the tournament as a financial opportunity to fill a revenue gap and compete with European teams in player trading. They also hope to attract potential investors and join a multi-club ownership group.
South African club Mamelodi Sundowns is excited about the tournament and believes it can help showcase the talent of African players on a global stage. They are eager to globalize their brand and engage new fans in the U.S.
From Brazil, Palmeiras and Fluminense are preparing for the tournament with a focus on both sporting and marketing aspects. They see the Club World Cup as an opportunity to gain global visibility and attract new sponsors and fans.
Brazilian club Botafogo aims to reestablish its reputation on the global stage through the Club World Cup. They see the tournament as a chance to play against the best teams in the world and showcase their talent.
Flamengo from Brazil views the Club World Cup as an opportunity to represent South American football on a global platform. They believe the tournament will strengthen club football and provide a unique experience for players and fans.
European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are bracing for the tournament, with concerns over scheduling and ticket prices. They see the Club World Cup as an important opportunity for marketing and finances, as well as a chance to engage with fans in the U.S.
Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund are looking forward to the financial benefits of the tournament and see it as an opportunity to grow their brand internationally. They are hopeful that the competition will be successful and attract new fans.
Atletico Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg are excited about the Club World Cup, viewing it as a chance to showcase their club on a global stage and attract potential investors. They see the tournament as an opportunity to promote their brand and engage with fans in the U.S.
Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi in their ranks, is gearing up for the tournament with the aim of making a mark on the world stage. The club sees the competition as an opportunity to grow and mature as a league and attract new fans to MLS.
As the clubs prepare for the Club World Cup, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. With just 100 days to go until the tournament begins, teams are gearing up to showcase their talent, engage with new fans, and compete for glory on a global stage. The Club World Cup promises to be a landmark event that will not only showcase the best clubs in the world but also provide a unique experience for players and fans alike.
