Gianni Infantino Defends the Club World Cup and Dreams of a More Accessible Game
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is openly enthusiastic about the first expanded edition of the Club World Cup, currently being held in the United States. In an interview with American journalist Jordan Schultz in New York, on the sidelines of a major sports festival, Infantino shared a highly positive view of the revamped format, which he described as “revolutionary.”
“The players are loving the experience,” Infantino said, citing England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who recently faced Boca Juniors in Miami. “He told me after the match that it was a splendid competition. The feedback has been excellent.”
Despite ongoing criticism from some observers, Infantino sees the tournament as a significant leap forward. “It’s a brand-new, spectacular format on a global scale. A true World Cup featuring the best clubs and the biggest football stars. And those who aren’t here wish they were.”
The FIFA President also sees the tournament as a major opportunity to grow the sport in the U.S., just months ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “Having these elite players here helps promote our sport in a country where basketball, American football, and baseball dominate,” he explained.
But Infantino’s ambitions don’t stop there. He issued a heartfelt call to make football more accessible to children. “Football should be free for kids. In Europe or Africa, you can play in the street or on a field without paying anything. That should be the case here in the U.S. too. It’s how future champions are discovered.”
Convinced that the future of the game lies at the grassroots level, Infantino urged local authorities to act. “It’s vital for municipalities to invest in community pitches. When you create accessible spaces, families show up, kids play, and passion for the game is born.”
He also revealed a major upcoming technological innovation: a micro-camera placed behind the referee’s ear. “We considered placing it on the chest, but it wasn’t precise enough. Positioned just behind the ear, the camera captures exactly what the referee sees. It’s a tool for transparency, but also for accountability. Players know they’re being watched in real time, and that can influence their behavior.”
With the new Club World Cup format, a push for inclusivity, and bold tech developments, Infantino is sticking to his vision: to make football not just the most played sport in the world, but also the fairest and most accessible.
Editorial team/le7tv
