Chairman Bart Verhaeghe has positioned Club Brugge as a serious candidate for a future, expanded FIFA Club World Cup. He advocates for a system where money flows back to non-participating clubs to preserve competitive balance.

FIFA is considering expanding the tournament from 32 to 48 participants, with 2029 a likely year for the new format. The final structure has not been decided. The first Club World Cup in the 32-team format was held in 2025, won by Chelsea who earned approximately 98 million euros. Paris Saint-Germain received around 92 million euros.

Verhaeghe stressed the benefits must be shared more widely. "It's not everyone equal and it's also not everything for the big clubs," the chairman said. He outlined a pyramid model where clubs like Bayern Munich, Club Brugge, Westerlo, and a club from Cyprus could benefit, even if they don't participate.

Michael Verschueren, chairman of the Board of Directors at Anderlecht and active within European Football Clubs (EFC), shares this view. "The top clubs want to commercialise their brand to the maximum," Verschueren said. He sees opportunities to align the Club World Cup with existing summer tours by top clubs in countries like Japan, China, and the USA.

Both officials warn that expansion must not compromise player health due to an already congested international calendar. The EFC is working with FIFA on the future of international club competitions and is pushing for broader access and solidarity payments.

For Club Brugge, currently third in the Jupiler Pro League with 18 points from 7 games, participation would be a major financial and sporting boost. The team is unbeaten in its last five league matches. They play away against 14th-placed RAAL La Louvière on Saturday. The full standings and fixtures schedule are available.

Whether Club Brugge can actually take part in an expanded Club World Cup in 2029 depends on the final format chosen by FIFA. The club continues to focus on the title race, where they sit just one point behind leaders Union Saint-Gilloise.

The report in full is at voetbalprimeur.be