Credit: Amanda Perobelli-Reuters via Imagn Images

Real Madrid Lead Calls for Biennial Club World Cup, but FIFA Push Back

Elite Clubs Seek More Revenue From the Tournament, but FIFA Warns of Financial and Calendar Challenges.

Credit: Amanda Perobelli-Reuters via Imagn Images

Real Madrid and several other elite clubs across Europe and South America are reportedly pushing for the revamped FIFA Club World Cup to be held once every two years. The proposal has been made aiming at increasing revenue streams.

As per reports from ESPN and The Guardian, it was discussed informally during the 2025 tournament in the United States. The idea surfaced as Madrid and other clubs assessed the financial rewards of the new format. Chelsea, champions of the 2025 edition, reportedly generated $114.6 million in revenue.

#BREAKING: Real Madrid and other clubs want the Club World Cup to be held every two years.

FIFA sees it as unfeasible at the moment. They are already working on the next edition: 2029, with Qatar as the most likely venue.

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— 💥 BlueCo Xtra (@Bluecoxtra) July 21, 2025

Meanwhile Real Madrid, who were eliminated from the semifinals, earned $82.5 million from the tournament. Needless to say, their earnings have been huge. FIFA distributed $1 billion among participating clubs. That’s why, stakeholders believe that a biennial schedule could double their earnings.

FIFA Deems Biennial Format ‘Unfeasible’

Despite these ambitions, FIFA remain firm on maintaining the tournament’s four-year cycle. Sources close to the governing body told ESPN that holding the Club World Cup every two years is “unfeasible” due to financial and logistical constraints. The source explained, “It’s virtually impossible to replicate a $1 billion prize pool biennially.”

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Another concern lies in the already congested global football calendar. FIFA fear a clash with UEFA competitions. Especially tensions were already high after UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin snubbed the Club World Cup final. La Liga president Javier Tebas also criticized the expanded format, calling it “disruptive and commercially shortsighted.”

FIFA are now only focused on the 2029 edition. It could see the tournament expanded to 48 teams. Qatar has emerged as a potential host after successfully staging the 2022 World Cup. However, scheduling challenges remain, as the tournament would likely need to be played in December to avoid the region’s intense summer heat.

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Real Madrid Push but FIFA Stay Cautious

Real Madrid’s stance is unsurprising given their involvement in previous efforts to reshape club football. This includes the proposal for the European Super League. Former Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti previously voiced skepticism about FIFA’s financial offerings, stating:

“One single Real Madrid game is worth €20 million, and FIFA want to give us that amount for the entire competition. Negative.” While clubs see a biennial format as a way to capitalise on global fan interest, FIFA are prioritising stability and sustainability for their revamped flagship club tournament.

Club World Cup

FIFA

Real Madrid

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.