Real Madrid are once again at the center of the debate over the future of the Club World Cup, joining other European giants in demanding a major overhaul of the tournament. Meanwhile, FIFA is evaluating a plan to increase the frequency of the competition, which has drawn major attention since its first expanded edition with 32 teams.

Madrid pressuring for a new format

According to The Guardian, FIFA is considering staging the Club World Cup every two years starting in 2029. The proposal has the backing of top clubs such as Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Napoli, and Madrid itself. The driving force behind this push is clear: revenue.

Chelsea, winners of the inaugural edition, earned around $115 million in prize money, a figure that has piqued the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs, who see the tournament as a golden opportunity to boost finances and increase global relevance.

However, the proposal faces hurdles. FIFA does not consider 2027 viable due to clashes with the current international calendar through 2030. It also faces legal battles, with leagues like the Premier League filing complaints with the European Commission over what they allege is “abuse of dominance.”

Criticism and tensions with leagues

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has been one of the strongest critics of FIFA’s direction. “FIFA was created to regulate global football and oversee international football, but now it is focusing too much on club football. Neither leagues nor players have been consulted,” he stated.

FIFA is weighing the idea of scrapping the June international break to accommodate the Club World Cup in summer. But that scenario directly clashes with UEFA, which stages the Nations League at the end of European seasons—setting up a looming battle over the calendar.

Mastantuono debut and Valverde’s return

Amid this global discussion, Real Madrid are also experiencing renewal within their squad. Young Argentine Franco Mastantuono, who just turned 18, has received his first official call-up from Xabi Alonso for the La Liga opener against Osasuna.

Meanwhile, Fede Valverde returns after overcoming a muscle issue, but Alonso will be without Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick due to injury, as well as Antonio Rüdiger, who is suspended.

The squad also includes new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras, who could make their first appearances at the Santiago Bernabéu.

As Madrid demand a revolution in the Club World Cup, they are also embracing a new chapter on the pitch, blending emerging talent with established leaders to shape the club’s future.