Shamik Chakrabarty
On June 14, the FIFA Club World Cup roared to life in Miami’s iconic Hard Rock Stadium, marking the beginning of what FIFA President Gianni Infantino heralded as a “big bang” in football history. This billion-dollar spectacle, spanning 11 cities across the United States, is Infantino’s brainchild—a tournament so significant that his name is engraved twice on the coveted trophy. While commerce undoubtedly plays a role, this event is also a testament to FIFA’s ambition and, perhaps, its vanity.
Sunday’s match between Bayern Munich and Auckland City was a lopsided affair, ending in a resounding 10-0 victory for the Bavarian giants. Auckland, a team of semi-professional players, stood little chance against the German powerhouse, with Bayern boasting a staggering 17-1 advantage in shots on target. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Old Trafford witnessed a far more thrilling contest as England clashed with a World XI in Soccer Aid 2025, with the World XI edging out a 5-4 win. The contrast could not have been starker—welcome to the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, a circus where drama and disparity collide.
Amid the chaos, Auckland City’s goalkeeper, Conor Tracey, emerged as a feel-good story. A warehouse worker for a New Zealand pharmaceutical company, Tracey used a combination of annual leave and unpaid leave to fulfill his dream of playing against his idol, Manuel Neuer. While the tale is heartwarming, it also underscores the tournament’s glaring mismatch, where top-tier football often feels more like a meet-and-greet than a serious competition.
“We are writing history here in North America,” Infantino declared ahead of the tournament. “For the first time, the 32 best clubs in the world will compete to determine who is truly the best.” He went on to describe the event as an “iconic competition” deserving of an “iconic trophy.” Yet, critics argue that the spectacle has so far failed to ignite the passion of fans, particularly in the United States, where interest remains tepid at best.
Infantino’s analogy of the “Big Bang” rings somewhat hollow, as the tournament has so far been met with global indifference. Dubbed “pyjama football” by critics, the event has struggled to captivate audiences. The previous iteration of the Club World Cup featured just seven matches, with continental champions battling for supremacy. The new format, however, expands to 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, prioritizing quantity over quality under the guise of inclusivity.
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha voiced his concerns, stating, “I hate it. I see the damage done to players and their creativity. I am worried for their welfare, and this is one of my biggest concerns.” Despite these reservations, top clubs continue to participate, lured by the tournament’s staggering $1 billion prize pool. The winning club stands to pocket up to $125 million, with group stage victories reportedly earning $2 million each.
Critics argue that FIFA has effectively legitimized “sportswashing” through its choice of World Cup hosts, and the Club World Cup appears to be another step in that direction. With its lucrative incentives, FIFA has overshadowed the European Super League’s ambitions, cementing its grip on the global football landscape.
Adding to the controversy is the tournament’s renaming of the traditional “Man of the Match” award to “Superior Player of the Match,” sparking criticism from fans. “Utter woke nonsense!” one social media user lamented.
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