Bayern Munich have thrown their full support behind the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, with senior figures at the German football powerhouse hailing the tournament as a necessary and progressive step in the global game’s evolution.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Bayern Munich board member and former European champion, praised FIFA’s vision and president Gianni Infantino’s leadership for pushing the initiative forward. Speaking to Welt am Sonntag, Rummenigge called the expanded tournament “inevitable” and a “natural development,” even as some critics question its sporting value.
“As a player, I would’ve loved the chance to play in such a competition,” said the 69-year-old, who twice lifted the European Cup with Bayern Munich. “Big tournaments like this always build momentum after the group stage — that’s when the drama truly begins.” He also compared the initiative to the UEFA Champions League’s restructured format, which initially faced skepticism but ultimately captivated fans in later stages.
Bayern Munich’s current head coach, Vincent Kompany, echoed Rummenigge’s enthusiasm following Bayern’s recent 2-1 win over Boca Juniors in the group stage. “This format goes beyond just financial gain,” said Kompany. “The diversity and intensity we experienced against Boca Juniors added tremendous value for our players. It’s something different, something enriching.”
Despite concerns in German media over modest attendances, respected sports magazine Kicker defended the tournament, emphasizing the unique opportunities it offers to smaller clubs from various continents. According to the publication, the format promotes valuable international exposure and levels the playing field in global club football.
Hans-Joachim Watzke, vice president of the German Football Association and former Borussia Dortmund CEO, also applauded the tournament’s evolution. “Football isn’t just Europe’s game,” he said. “There’s huge demand in Asia, Africa, and South America to compete against elite clubs like Bayern and Real Madrid.”
Watzke called the revamped FIFA Club World Cup a “once-every-four-years football spectacle” that closes a gap long felt in international club competition. He stressed that the inclusion of Bayern Munich and other giants will elevate the tournament’s prestige and global resonance.
The 2025 edition, hosted in the United States, marks the debut of the 32-team format, promising a new era of global club football — with Bayern Munich firmly at its heart.