Qatar wants to host the 2029 Club World Cup and has proposed a winter schedule
Qatar has indicated a strong desire to host the 2029 Club World Cup, suggesting that the competition may move to the winter. During the current tournament in the United States, Qatari authorities have reportedly undertaken high-level discussions with FIFA, expressing their intention to host the next edition in four years [The Guardian].
Instead of the current Club World Cup traveling to 11 US locations, Qatar is proposing to organize a carbon-neutral event. Constructed for the 2022 World Cup, the nation’s nine stadiums are still fully functional and frequently host Qatar Stars League games, providing an affordable and accessible venue that may reduce logistical and travel issues.
The tournament would have to be moved to December 2029, though, due to Qatar’s extreme summer heat, much as the 2022 World Cup, which was moved from a summer to a winter schedule. European leagues, especially the Premier League, are strongly opposed to this proposal since it would interfere with domestic seasons.
The lack of consultation on the Club World Cup has already led to legal action against FIFA by the European Leagues group and the worldwide players’ union FIFPro; if the tournament is held in Qatar, the dispute may get more heated.
Because of the enormous financial incentives, some teams might accept Qatar’s bid in spite of these obstacles. A $1 billion prize pool has been set aside by FIFA for the current tournament; Manchester City has already earned $51.7 million for making it to the round of 16, and they stand to earn an additional $74.1 million if they win. The forty million dollar prize for the winner is comparable to what elite European clubs make from extended Champions League runs.
Although there was no bidding procedure for FIFA to award the 2025 tournament to the United States, there will likely be several offers for the 2029 hosting rights, leading to a formal contest. Brazil has expressed interest in hosting the competition, along with Qatar, Spain, and Morocco (prior to their joint 2030 World Cup with Portugal).
The 2029 Club World Cup schedule and location are still up in the air, but Qatar’s winter bid is already influencing the future of the competition.
