Qatar, Spain and Morocco want Club World Cup in 2029, says newspaper
Qatar has officially entered the race to host the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, joining Spain, Morocco, and Brazil in a high-stakes battle for football’s billion-dollar tournament.
According to a report from The Guardian, Qatari officials approached FIFA during the current Club World Cup in the United States to present their formal bid. Their proposal includes a carbon-neutral tournament held in December, echoing the model used for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Qatar aims to use its existing World Cup infrastructure, including six high-tech stadiums, which could drastically cut costs and limit travel a key issue raised in the U.S.-hosted 2025 edition.
Who Else Is in the Running?
- Spain and Morocco have submitted separate bids, also expressing readiness to co-host if necessary.
- Portugal is reportedly part of discussions, possibly leveraging its role in organizing the 2030 World Cup alongside Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
- Brazil, through the CBF, has officially informed FIFA of its interest in bringing the tournament to South America.
Unlike the 2025 edition awarded without formal bidding, the 2029 tournament will have a structured selection process setting the stage for a diplomatic and financial tug-of-war.
A Winter Tournament — Again?
Hosting in Qatar would likely mean moving the Club World Cup to December, due to the extreme summer heat a move already drawing pushback from European leagues, especially the Premier League, due to calendar conflicts.
“Clubs are already playing too many games. Moving a major tournament to winter again disrupts domestic leagues,” a Premier League official reportedly told The Guardian.
Big Money, Big Stakes
FIFA has earmarked US$1 billion in total prizes for the current edition a number likely to increase by 2029. With Manchester City and other elite clubs already earning millions, the financial allure is stronger than ever.
U.S. Weather Raises Concerns
Several matches during the 2025 edition have been delayed due to lightning storms and weather warnings, triggering criticism from coaches and players. FIFA and FifPro (the global players’ union) are under pressure to prioritize player welfare and rethink host region selection.
