FIFA Considers Biennial Club World Cup Amid Attendance Challenges

FIFA's recently expanded 32-team Club World Cup, set to debut in 2025, has been well-received, prompting discussions about potentially holding the tournament every two years instead of every four. This increased frequency aims to boost the competition's global presence and revenue but raises concerns about scheduling conflicts, player welfare, and impacts on domestic leagues. While South American fans have passionately embraced the tournament, attendance and enthusiasm in the U.S. have been mixed, with large crowds supporting teams like Flamengo and Boca Juniors, yet relatively sparse turnout for some European clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester City. The tournament's presence has highlighted a divide in fan engagement, with English Premier League teams drawing less live attendance despite their popularity on TV. Matches in cities like Philadelphia have seen vibrant fan support from international supporters, especially Flamengo's dedicated followers, creating a lively atmosphere that contrasts with some local fan apathy. FIFA continues to promote the event's global appeal, though skepticism remains about the tournament's expanded scale and scheduling.