Club World Cup Offers Valuable Insights Ahead of 2026 World Cup
The inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup concluded on Sunday, providing crucial lessons for organizers as they prepare for the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup. Hosted across the United States, this tournament, won by Chelsea, served as a preview of what fans can expect next year when a record 48 teams compete in the quadrennial event.
FIFA expanded the Club World Cup format to mirror the upcoming World Cup, which will feature 104 matches—an increase from 64 in 2022. Alan Rothenberg, former president of U.S. Soccer, described the event as a “dry run” for FIFA, emphasizing that early challenges faced during the tournament will aid in smoothing out logistics for 2026.
“We had some mistakes and issues early on, but they’ve learned valuable lessons about staging a tournament in multiple cities,” Rothenberg noted. “This experience will certainly make it smoother for the 2026 World Cup.”
However, the tournament was not without its criticisms. Players, fans, and coaches raised concerns regarding pitch conditions, scheduling, and especially the heat, with some matches played in temperatures exceeding 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29°C). Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez labeled these conditions as “very dangerous.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the heat as a significant issue, indicating that future matches may need to be scheduled earlier in the day. To combat the temperature, FIFA plans to utilize stadiums equipped with roofs and climate control systems during the World Cup.
“We introduced cooling breaks and ensured the pitch was well-watered,” Infantino remarked. “We are committed to improving the experience for both players and fans.”
The tournament also marked a significant operational shift for FIFA, which is taking greater control over the upcoming World Cup compared to previous editions. Rothenberg expressed optimism about the future, stating that the Club World Cup, while not intended as an experiment, has turned out to be an invaluable learning experience.
As FIFA prepares for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, they are setting up field offices and maintaining a substantial broadcast center in Dallas. The final at MetLife Stadium saw Chelsea lift the trophy, with U.S. President Donald Trump delivering it amid an enthusiastic crowd.
Despite facing challenges, organizers are optimistic that the insights gained from this year’s Club World Cup will lead to a smoother and more successful World Cup experience in 2026.
