The debut edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup is set to commence soon in the United States. This new summer tournament is significantly affecting major European football clubs, compelling them to revise their strategies not just for the summer but also for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Given that the event concludes shortly before the new domestic seasons typically begin, there will be minimal respite. Below are the twelve European teams confirmed to participate:
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
- Real Madrid
- Atletico Madrid
- Bayern Munich
- Borussia Dortmund
- Inter
- Juventus
- PSG
- Porto
- Benfica
- RB Salzburg
Clubs making proactive moves
Among the participating clubs, Real Madrid appears particularly forward-thinking in their preparations for the summer and the subsequent season. The Spanish giant is reportedly nearing deals for Liverpool full back Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires in June, and Bournemouth center-back Dean Huijsen. Furthermore, Real Madrid has opted to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new head coach even before the Club World Cup begins, with Carlo Ancelotti transitioning to his new role with Brazil from late May. This early change, unlike the approach many other clubs may take, is aimed at initiating the new managerial cycle immediately, allowing Alonso to commence work and implement his system during the tournament period itself. The primary motivation is to maximize the limited preparation time available before the 2025-26 season, considering some players will need time off post-tournament.
Some clubs defer changes
Conversely, some clubs are choosing to postpone major changes until the tournament concludes. Juventus, for instance, is widely expected to appoint a new permanent manager after Igor Tudor`s interim period ends with the current season. While rumors suggest a potential return for former manager Antonio Conte (currently managing Napoli) in July, any new coaching staff would likely start their tenure during the traditional pre-season phase, commencing shortly after the FIFA Club World Cup finishes on July 13th at the MetLife Stadium.
The implications for transfers and schedules
The demanding schedule and the placement of the tournament pose significant challenges for all clubs, including teams like PSG and Inter, who are scheduled to play the Champions League final just two weeks prior to the Club World Cup`s start. Adding to this, many players will participate in national team matches for 2026 World Cup qualifiers in early June. This means managers won`t have their complete squads available until the week immediately preceding the Club World Cup. To mitigate issues related to contracts expiring on June 30th (mid-tournament), most leagues are introducing a special early summer transfer window during the first ten days of June. This allows players like Alexander-Arnold to potentially complete moves a month early and be eligible to play for their new clubs in the tournament.
This early transfer window and the tight overall schedule represent unprecedented circumstances for most teams. The long-term consequences for the 2025-26 season remain uncertain, particularly regarding whether teams will have sufficient time for player recovery and tactical preparation after the compressed summer period leading directly into a demanding new season that runs up to the 2026 World Cup.
Dominic Ashworth