June 22, (THEWILL) – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the expanded Club World Cup, calling it “something special” despite ongoing criticism from fans, players, and observers.
Speaking at the Fanatics Fest event in New York on Saturday, Infantino addressed concerns regarding the new 32-team format, which has attracted scrutiny over low ticket sales, player fatigue, and unbalanced scheduling.
The tournament, backed by a $1 billion fund, is taking place this summer for the first time in its new format.
Infantino brushed off doubts surrounding the tournament’s viability, describing it as a necessary step in determining the best club team in global football.
“For 100 years, we know which is the best country in the world, but, until today, we do not know which is the best team in the world,” he said during a conversation with Fox Sports journalist Jordan Schultz.
Infantino added that the expanded competition is “a real World Cup with the best teams and the best players,” insisting that the concept has long been overdue.
FIFpro, the global player union, has repeatedly criticised the new format for increasing the physical demands on footballers already stretched by packed domestic and international calendars.
The scheduling has drawn added scrutiny following visibly sparse crowds at multiple matches and concerns over the potential long-term strain on clubs and players.
Despite these setbacks, Infantino maintained that those involved on the pitch are enjoying the event.
He cited England captain Harry Kane, who praised the atmosphere during Bayern Munich’s clash with Boca Juniors in Miami.
The tournament has produced early talking points, including Brazilian side Botafogo’s victory over European champions Paris Saint-Germain, viewed by many as a significant upset.
Infantino positioned these matches as evidence of the competition’s quality and potential.
He claimed the Club World Cup could reshape perceptions of football in the United States, particularly among young people more inclined toward American sports.
“You can become rich if you follow a soccer path,” Infantino said, arguing that events like this could shift cultural interest.
Infantino’s remarks came during a politically charged weekend, with American strikes on Iran coinciding with his appearance alongside Juventus officials at the White House.
Iran has qualified for next summer’s FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
While no direct comment was made on the geopolitical situation, the backdrop underlined the complex environment in which FIFA is staging its most ambitious projects to date.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
