Overview

• Jurgen Klopp branded the 32-team tournament “the worst idea ever implemented in football” and warned that its timing risks unprecedented injuries and leaves no real physical or mental recovery period.
• Pep Guardiola said he respects Klopp’s fixture-load argument and supports the need for rest even as Manchester City stay focused on winning the competition.
• FIFPro’s complaint with the European Commission remains active after the players’ union accused FIFA of abusing its dominance by squeezing the Club World Cup into an already packed calendar.
• Matches in the United States have faced extreme-heat suspensions and operational strains, highlighting concerns over player welfare and venue preparedness.
• FIFA insists the format replaces the Confederations Cup and has built in welfare measures, including a player fund, additional substitutes and permanent concussion protocols.