Klopp, who recently left Liverpool, had slammed the expanded summer tournament as “the worst idea ever invented” in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt. But Wenger, who now serves as FIFA’s Head of Global Football Development, shared a different opinion during a media briefing in New York.
“Everyone can have their opinion, but I don’t agree with Klopp,” Wenger said. “I believe a true Club World Cup was needed. If you ask the clubs who took part this time, I’m confident nearly all would say they want to play again. That says a lot.”
He also mentioned the tournament’s strong fan turnout, which exceeded expectations. “The real question is—do fans enjoy it? We thought attendance might be low, but it turned out to be much better than expected. That speaks for itself,” Wenger added.
The Club World Cup has also helped FIFA test things in preparation for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Wenger admitted that the summer heat in America created some difficulties, but said FIFA learned some useful lessons to fix these problems in the future.
He pointed out that Orlando had some issues with pitch conditions, but overall, he praised the quality of natural grass fields. He said the pitch in Philadelphia stood out and could be a model for future tournaments in the U.S.
Wenger also said that FIFA is planning to use stadiums with roofs in cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Houston for early matches in next year’s tournaments. He shared that FIFA experts studied how heat affects player performance. Their research found that when the temperature goes above 35°C (95°F), it mostly affects players’ ability to sprint or run at high speed, rather than the total distance they run.
He added, “Next year, we will likely have more roofed stadiums because we also need to follow the TV schedule. We are learning how to be better prepared for these conditions.”
The first-ever 32-team Club World Cup will end on Sunday, with Paris Saint-Germain facing Chelsea in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
FAQ
What is Arsène Wenger’s role in football now?
Wenger is currently FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, where he helps shape the future of international competitions and football structure.
What is the Club World Cup format that’s being debated?
The updated Club World Cup will feature 32 teams and is scheduled to be played every four years, similar to the FIFA World Cup. It includes top clubs from different continents.
What concerns did Jurgen Klopp raise about the new format?
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp criticized the expanded format for adding more games to an already packed schedule, increasing the risk of player fatigue and injuries.
How did Wenger respond to Klopp’s concerns?
Wenger defended the format, saying the new Club World Cup offers global opportunities for clubs and players and is part of growing the game worldwide. He believes proper scheduling can balance the load.
Does Wenger think the new format will harm players?
No, Wenger believes that with smart planning and rotation, the format will not overburden players and can coexist with club and international football.
