Infantino hails expanded FIFA Club World Cup as global stage for untapped football talent

Photo by FIFA Media.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has highlighted the revamped FIFA Club World Cup as a golden opportunity for players from nations that have never featured at the FIFA World Cup to gain recognition on a global stage.

Speaking ahead of the competition’s kick-off in the United States, Infantino reflected on the expanded format as a chance for new football narratives to emerge especially from countries historically underrepresented on football’s biggest stage.

“Countries who would never have a chance to play in a World Cup are suddenly part of a World Cup, and they feel part of it—the fans of these players and clubs,” Infantino noted. “It starts a new era of football. A little bit like when, in 1930, the first World Cup started. Everyone today speaks about that very first World Cup. That’s why this Club World Cup is historic.”

The FIFA boss also invoked the legacy of African legend George Weah—1995 Ballon d’Or winner and the only African to ever claim the prestigious award as a fitting example of what could have been. Despite a decorated club career with the likes of AC Milan, PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City, Weah never had the chance to play at the World Cup with his native Liberia.

“A very good friend of mine is George Weah,” Infantino said. “He never played in a World Cup, but he would have played in a Club World Cup, making not only his club but also his country proud.”

Weah, who was also named African Footballer of the Year in 1995, remains a symbol of unfulfilled international potential something the Club World Cup now aims to remedy for today’s generation.

One such modern-day example is former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango, who will feature in the tournament for a second time with South African side Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite Uganda never qualifying for a FIFA World Cup, players like Onyango now have a chance to shine on a world stage.

The newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup begins with a blockbuster opener between Inter Miami and Egyptian giants Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium, ushering in what Infantino calls a “historic moment” in football’s evolution.