Fans of the FIFA Club World Cup will have to hold on for another four years before the tournament makes a return, which might find its way back to the US.
There’s a belief in FIFA’s ongoing attempts to attract American sponsors and expand the sport’s footprint here. It’s somewhat hard to picture the US hosting the tournament again, especially after this year’s event.
Nevertheless, given how successful the tournament has been in the US compared to other nations, FIFA seems to be eyeing other countries as potential hosts, with some even collaborating on joint bids.
Let’s explore a few of these countries and examine what could make them appealing—or not—for hosting the latter stages of the event as we conclude current discussions.
Brazil
Given that Brazil hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and has the necessary infrastructure in place, it’s a compelling choice for 2029. I mean, it looks good for Conmebol too. Understandably, they are in a competitive race to nab a piece of that lucrative pie—over a billion dollars, potentially. Brazil has a solid history with FIFA events, showcasing its readiness to welcome the world, especially after successfully hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Australia and New Zealand
Both nations have shown interest and, following their successful collaboration during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, might aim to keep the momentum going for football. The sport hasn’t quite reached mass appeal in Australia like it has in the US. The partnership with New Zealand could, perhaps, reinforce their commitment to making football a top sport.
Qatar
Having laid the groundwork for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar could be positioning itself to host the Club World Cup as well. However, the blistering heat remains a significant issue for teams and players, especially with summer temperatures soaring. Although Qatar has made strides with climate-controlled venues, moving the World Cup to the winter months to mitigate heat issues could factor into FIFA’s decision on hosting during the hotter months.
Portugal, Spain, Morocco
This year’s event connected directly to the larger FIFA World Cup slated for next summer, so these three countries may be settling in for a joint bid, especially after being chosen for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This could be a chance to test tourism, transport, and hospitality in a real-world scenario. I mean, there was observable excitement from fans of Widad AC when they rallied for their team, bringing joy and energy to support their cause.
