Qatar Eyes Hosting Rights for 2029 FIFA Club World Cup

Qatar has officially set its sights on hosting the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, engaging in advanced discussions with FIFA officials during the current tournament being held in the United States. The Gulf state, already renowned for delivering the landmark 2022 FIFA World Cup, is positioning itself as a sustainable and efficient host for the expanded global club competition.

Sources reveal that Qatar’s proposal emphasizes a carbon-neutral tournament, aiming to significantly reduce the environmental footprint compared to the ongoing edition in the U.S., which involves extensive domestic travel. Qatar plans to leverage its existing network of nine stadiums, six of which are already in regular use for Qatar Stars League matches, reducing both infrastructure costs and logistical burdens.

Despite its strong bid, one major challenge remains — Qatar’s intense summer heat. As with the 2022 World Cup, organizers would likely need to shift the tournament to a winter window, with December 2029 being the most viable option. However, this timing could face resistance from major European football leagues due to overlap with their domestic schedules.

Qatar isn’t the only nation in the race. Spain and Morocco, co-hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal (with additional matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay), have expressed interest. Brazil has also officially entered the running after high-level talks between its football federation and FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Miami.

The competition to host is heating up — and so are the financial incentives. The current edition offers a $1 billion prize fund, with clubs like Manchester City already cashing in over $50 million for progressing, and a potential $125 million up for grabs for the champions — rivaling UEFA Champions League payouts.

While the 2025 edition was awarded to the USA without a bidding process, FIFA is expected to conduct a formal selection for the 2029 tournament, given the global interest. FIFA has yet to issue an official comment on the ongoing discussions or timeline for the host announcement.