Optimistic Infantino sets out the venues for his controversial Club World Cup

Gianni Infantino’s grand plan for FIFA’s controversially expanded Club World Cup is gradually coming together.

The world football federation has confirmed the 12 stadiums in the United States that will stage matches for the 32 clubs playing off between next June 15 and July 13 when the final is staged in the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, just over a year before the venue stages the 2026 World Cup final.

This venue is joined by 11 more – Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte), TQL Stadium (Cincinnati), Rose Bowl Stadium (Los Angeles), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), GEODIS Park (Nashville), Camping World Stadium (Orlando), Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia), Lumen Field (Seattle), and Audi Field (Washington, D.C.).

BLOATED INTERNATIONAL CALENDAR The tournament and its staging dates have come under fire from players for adding further unnecessary mental and physical pressure in an already bloated international calendar.

Infantino, making an apparently rushed announcement at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, said: “Football is the most popular sport on the planet, and in 2025 a new era for club football will kick off when FIFA stages the greatest, most inclusive and merit-based global club competition right here in the United States.

ONLY TRUE EXAMPLE OF INCLUSIVITY “The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will feature 12 fantastic stadiums where a new chapter in football’s global history will be written by great players from the 32 best clubs in the world.

“This new FIFA competition is the only true example in worldwide club football of real solidarity and inclusivity, allowing the best clubs from Africa, Asia, Central and North America and Oceania to play the powerhouses of Europe and South America in an incredible new World Cup which will impact enormously the growth of club football and talent globally.”

Infantino’s brave words contrast with the reluctance of the world’s television channels to throw money and coverage at the end.

With the draw set for December, just two of the 32 teams are yet to be confirmed: one from South America, the other representing the host country.

 Keir Radnedge - AIPS Football Delegate