The expanded FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams for the first time in 2025, has drawn sharp criticism from Jürgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager. Klopp, now serving as head of global soccer for Red Bull, has called the expanded tournament the "worst idea ever implemented in football". His primary concern revolves around the already heavy workload placed on players and the potential for increased injuries.
The revamped Club World Cup, held every four years, began on June 14, 2025, and will conclude on July 13. It features 32 teams from six confederations competing in the United States. The format mirrors the FIFA World Cup, with eight groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, starting with the round of 16, and culminating in the final.
Klopp's criticism stems from his belief that the tournament further strains an already packed football calendar. He argues that players have insufficient time to recover physically and mentally between seasons and major international tournaments. "Last year it was the Copa [America] and the European Championship, this year it's the Club World Cup, and next year the World Cup. That means no real recovery for the players involved, neither physically nor mentally," Klopp explained.
He also voiced his concern over the potential physical toll the tournament could take on players. With an already congested schedule, he warned about a looming injury crisis. “It's too many games. I fear that next season we will see injuries like never before. If not then, they'll come during or after the Club World Cup,” he cautioned. He also criticized the lack of adequate rest for players: “There's no real recovery for those involved, neither physically nor mentally,” he added.
Klopp isn't alone in his apprehension. Fifpro, the global players' union, has also voiced concerns and filed a legal complaint against FIFA regarding the tournament. These concerns highlight a broader debate about balancing the commercial interests of football with the well-being of players.
FIFA has stated that player welfare has been central to its decision-making process for the new tournament format. However, Klopp remains unconvinced, suggesting that those making decisions about the game are detached from the day-to-day realities faced by players and managers. "People who have never had anything to do with day-to-day business or who no longer have anything to do with it come up with something," Klopp stated.
Despite the criticism, the expanded Club World Cup is underway. Teams like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Inter Miami are participating in the tournament being held in venues across the United States. FIFA is offering substantial prize money, with the winners receiving up to £97m ($125m). A total of £774m ($1bn) will be shared between the 32 clubs, based on participation and performance.
The tournament format mirrors that of the FIFA World Cup, with 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance to a single-elimination knockout stage. The absence of a third-place playoff further distinguishes it from some other major tournaments.
As the competition progresses, the debate surrounding player welfare and the demands of the modern game is likely to continue. Klopp's outspoken criticism has amplified these concerns, prompting further discussion about the future of football and the importance of protecting its most valuable assets: the players.
