Brazil has formally requested to host the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, as reported by sources to ESPN Brazil’s Pedro Ivo Almeida. This request was made during a meeting with high-ranking Brazilian football officials while FIFA President Gianni Infantino was visiting Rio de Janeiro on Monday.
Infantino was in Brazil to kick off preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in eight cities across Brazil for the first time.
During his visit, Infantino met with Brazil’s team manager Carlo Ancelotti, the presidents and vice presidents of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Samir Xaud and Gustavo Dias Henrique, as well as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia.
During the weekend, Infantino also addressed matters concerning the upcoming 2027 Women’s World Cup while engaging with Brazilian sports leaders and attending the Carioca Championship match between Fluminense and Flamengo.
The CBF has been making efforts for months to secure the Club World Cup for Brazil.
For the 2025 tournament, FIFA did not conduct a bidding process and instead unanimously selected the United States as the host for the expanded 32-team event. The formal bidding process for the 2029 event has not yet been announced by FIFA.
Last June, Xaud met with Infantino during the match between Flamengo and LAFC in the United States, where he discussed the potential for Brazil to host the tournament. He expressed optimism about Brazil’s prospects, highlighting the nation’s strong presence in the World Cup.
“It’s a subject I discussed with President Infantino. I see it in a positive light, especially because Brazilian soccer is showing its potential in this World Cup. I believe that this conversation will continue for a while, but ideally, Brazil will host the 2029 Club World Cup,” he stated previously.
Xaud described Infantino’s reaction to Brazil’s offer as positive, noting, “[Infantino’s response after Brazil offered to host was] favorable.” He added, “Infantino has a strong affection for Brazilian soccer. He was pleased to hear that the CBF is interested in hosting the championship, and I believe further discussions will occur on this matter.”
“We are very close to Brazil hosting the Club World Cup. However, we must evaluate the advantages and disadvantages. If it were solely up to the CBF and its president, we would bring the Club World Cup to Brazil,” he mentioned.
So far, Flamengo has secured a spot in the 2029 Club World Cup by virtue of winning the 2025 CONMEBOL Libertadores.
During the weekend, FIFA officially commenced the lead-up to the 2027 Women’s World Cup with a celebratory event in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, which showcased football, music, art, and the unique cultural flair of Brazil at one of the world’s most famous locations.
This event marked a significant milestone as Brazil prepares to host the first Women’s World Cup in South America, unveiling the tournament’s emblem, ‘GO EPIC’ slogan, and a unique sonic identity inspired by Brazil’s vibrant sounds to connect fans across all platforms.
“The Women’s World Cup in Brazil, in 2027, will be a tournament that the entire world has eagerly awaited,” Infantino declared on Sunday in Brazil. “Everyone wants to come to Brazil to celebrate football in the biggest football nation. I am confident it will be the most beautiful, exceptional, and epic World Cup in history. All national teams are exceptionally strong, and athletes are becoming increasingly skilled and athletic.”
“The host cities are all remarkable. We are here in Rio de Janeiro, but we also have Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Recife, São Paulo, Salvador, Porto Alegre, Brasília, and we are all prepared for this event, which will commence in 515 days. The world is about to experience something truly spectacular—the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Brazil and in South America. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event!”
This report includes information from The Associated Press.