Brazil’s Proposal to Host the Club World Cup in 2029
Brazil has expressed its interest in hosting the Club World Cup in 2029, according to its football governing body, the CBF. This proposal came to light after a meeting on Friday between CBF president Samir Xaud and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. In a statement released by the CBF, Xaud noted that Infantino responded positively to the notion.
Xaud’s Vision for Brazilian Football
Xaud stated,
“During our initial discussion, I shared my vision as the new president of CBF and emphasized our desire to strengthen ties with FIFA. I commended the tournament and highlighted the caliber of Brazilian football clubs, ultimately proposing that Brazil could host the upcoming Club World Cup.”
He continued by sharing that Infantino expressed enthusiasm for the possibility, indicating it is a feasible goal.
Current Club World Cup Challenges
Currently, the Club World Cup is taking place in the United States, featuring Brazilian teams such as Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo. This tournament has faced criticism due to the substantial demands it places on elite athletes, particularly as the European football season has just concluded. Additionally, the high temperatures in the U.S. have raised concerns, prompting teams like Borussia Dortmund to consider adjustments to their lineups. For instance, head coach Niko Kovac is wary of how the intense midday heat in Cincinnati may affect performance.
Recent Successes of South American Clubs
In recent matches, South American clubs have notably triumphed over their European counterparts, with Botafogo‘s victory over Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain and Flamengo‘s win against Chelsea serving as key highlights.
Changes in CBF Leadership
Having taken over the CBF presidency in May following a court ruling that ousted the previous board, Xaud’s initiative reflects a new direction for Brazilian football governance. His recent comments follow the 2025 FIFA Executive Summit held in Miami, where football officials from FIFA’s 211 member associations gathered to discuss future developments.
Future of the Club World Cup
The Club World Cup is scheduled to occur every four years as a precursor event for the countries that will host the FIFA World Cup the following year. The upcoming tournaments are set for 2026 in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, while the 2030 edition will span across Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. Notably, to celebrate a century since the inaugural World Cup in 1930, three matches will be played in South America, hosted by Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina.
