FIFA President Gianni Infantino has emphasized the need for an open-minded approach to the scheduling of future World Cups. This discussion involves not only the upcoming 2034 tournament in Saudi Arabia but all international competitions.
World Cup Scheduling Challenges
The current international football calendar is set until 2030, with ongoing discussions about future changes. Traditionally, World Cups are held in June and July, though the 2022 tournament in Qatar was uniquely scheduled for November and December to mitigate extreme heat.
Infantino highlighted that due to climate change, considerations for tournament schedules must expand beyond one-off events. He pointed out that playing in different months could be more feasible. “If you want to play at the same time everywhere, then you can play in March or in October,” he stated. He acknowledged the varying weather conditions experienced across the globe, especially in July.
Expanding the Club World Cup
During the European Football Clubs General Assembly in Rome, Infantino also hinted at expanding the Club World Cup to include 48 teams. He noted the success of this year’s edition, which featured 32 teams and generated significant engagement and revenue.
- 2023 Club World Cup: Successful launch with 32 teams in the U.S.
- Future Plans: Potential expansion to 48 teams by 2029.
- Financial Impact: Chelsea reportedly earned £85 million during the competition.
Infantino expressed a desire to collaborate with clubs and stakeholders, aiming to enhance the competition further. “It will benefit everyone in this room, and also outside of this room,” he commented, acknowledging ongoing challenges that require collective efforts to address.
Conclusion
As discussions about World Cup scheduling and the expansion of international competitions progress, Infantino’s vision underscores the importance of adapting to climate challenges and evolving the football calendar. An open-minded approach will be crucial for the future of global football.
