FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of keeping “an open mind” regarding the scheduling of future World Cups, extending beyond the 2034 tournament in Saudi Arabia.
Currently, the international football calendar is set until 2030, with ongoing discussions about future adjustments. Traditionally, World Cups have been held in June and July, with the notable exception of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, which took place in November and December to mitigate extreme heat.
For the 2034 finals in Saudi Arabia, a similar scheduling approach is anticipated. Infantino highlighted the impact of climate change, suggesting that considerations for future tournaments should be made at an international level due to varying weather conditions.
During his address at the European Football Clubs General Assembly in Rome, Infantino remarked, “If you aim to play universally at the same time, March or October may be preferable, as December has fewer options globally, and July is similarly limited.”
Later, speaking to reporters, he confirmed that FIFA is deeply engaged in discussions about the timing of the Saudi tournament, stating, “It’s not limited to one World Cup; it’s a broader contemplation. Even in some European nations, July can be excessively hot, so we may need to reassess.”
Infantino noted that June is deemed the best month for playing football, yet is underutilized in Europe. He indicated that there could be potential to optimize the football calendar and reaffirmed that discussions are ongoing as conclusions evolve.
“We just need to approach this with an open mind,” he added.
Infantino also hinted at expanding the Club World Cup to 48 teams, expressing a desire to enhance the competition further. This summer’s tournament in the United States featured 32 teams for the first time, which Infantino described as a “huge success” in terms of attendance, fan engagement, and revenue.
However, the scheduling of the tournament has drawn legal scrutiny from domestic leagues and players’ unions, who argue that FIFA has failed to adequately consult on the international fixture calendar.
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Clubs, however, are eager to see the competition grow. Chelsea reportedly earned around £85 million from their performance in the U.S., and Infantino showed openness to including more clubs in the next edition, set to occur in 2029.
Infantino stated, “It was a successful event, and now we’re collaborating to explore how we can enhance its impact even further.” He emphasized the importance of working with all clubs and stakeholders to achieve these goals.
He concluded by asserting that addressing future challenges will benefit all stakeholders, both in attendance and beyond.