By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Brazil has formally requested to host the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, following a high-level meeting in Brasília between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, senior Brazilian football officials, and international figures.
The discussions on Monday centred on Brazil’s broader role in global football, including preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, but a key outcome was Brazil’s formal expression of interest in staging the expanded Club World Cup tournament four years later. The meeting included Samir Xaud, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Gustavo Dias Henrique, vice-president of the CBF, and Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is the Brazil’s national team coach.
Although the 2029 Club World Cup host selection process has not yet been officially opened by FIFA, Brazil’s football authorities have been laying the groundwork for several months. Xaud and Infantino first discussed Brazil’s potential candidacy during last year’s Club World Cup in the United States, and sources say the dialogue has continued behind the scenes.
“Everything started with an introductory conversation,” Xaud said in a previous interview about early talks with Infantino. “I praised the event and the level of Brazilian clubs and, finally, I made the country available to host the next Club World Cup. Infantino was very happy, we will work to make it happen.”
Brazil’s interest reflects both its strong football infrastructure and its success in hosting major international tournaments. The country recently secured the hosting rights for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the first time the women’s edition will be played in South America, and has world-class stadiums and experience staging global events such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.
The expanded Club World Cup, first held in 2025 with 32 teams in the United States, marked a significant evolution of the competition. Brazil’s bid aims to build on that momentum and bring the tournament to one of football’s most passionate nations.