Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

UEFA Mulls Four-Team Super Cup Move to US or Middle East

Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

UEFA is weighing a significant shake-up to the annual Super Cup format. Discussions are underway to expand the traditional one-off match into a four-team tournament that could be staged outside Europe. As per reports, the revamped format could be introduced as early as next season.

The United States or the Middle East are currently emerging as leading candidates to host this tournament. Currently, the Super Cup pits the Champions League winners against the Europa League champions in a single fixture. The potential change would introduce two semi-finals and a final.

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This would add other European competition winners to the mix. With the introduction of this format still in the air, the specific qualification criteria have yet to be confirmed. However, needless to say, the existing champions would still remain to become automatic participants.

Lack of European Bidders Spurs Change Talks

The 2025 edition, featuring Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, is being held in Udine, Italy, at the 25,000-capacity Bluenergy Stadium. This is the smallest venue to stage the match in recent years. Udine was the only city to bid for hosting rights, despite its limited infrastructure.

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It has no airport, has very few hotels, and minimal public transport beyond match-day shuttle buses. UEFA only confirmed the venue in December after reviewing applications. However, they found no other interested parties. The lack of competition has added weight to arguments for taking the event abroad.

Global Expansion and Commercial Goals

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has acknowledged that staging top European club games outside the continent is ‘possible’. He noted strong overseas demand. The concept of a four-team Super Cup first appeared in a 2022 broadcast rights document for the 2024–27 cycle. It was described as an ‘opening tournament’ for the Champions League.

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That proposal was shelved but is now resurfacing ahead of the next round of media rights bidding. UEFA’s new US-based partner, Relevent, is expected to push for matches in markets with proven appetite for European football. The Spanish Super Cup’s successful relocation to Saudi Arabia in 2020 is under a contract running until 2029.

Additionally, the French Ligue 1’s practice of staging its equivalent abroad since 2009, provides clear precedents. A decision is anticipated before the new rights cycle is finalised. If approved, the expanded Super Cup could debut before the 2026-27 season. Thus, marking the first time the competition is played outside Europe.

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UEFA Super Cup

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.