FIFA’s decision to expand the FIFA Club World Cup to 48 teams starting in 2029 represents one of the most dramatic structural changes in modern football. The tournament was once a compact seven‑team event. In 2029, it will transform into a global spectacular event on the scale of the FIFA World Cup. This change will impact the dynamics of the entire tournament and FIFA Club World Cup odds offered by bookmakers. For successful betting, it is important to understand how markets will adjust to the new format.
Impact of Expansion on Odds
Expansion to 48 teams will consist of the group stage and knockout rounds. There will be more matches played and, consequently, more betting options.
In the old format, odds were heavily compressed. European clubs were priced extremely short, while non‑European clubs carried long odds with little middle ground. With 48 teams, bookmakers will need to distribute probabilities across a much wider field, creating more nuanced odds.
This expanded structure also increases volatility. More matches mean more opportunities for:
- upsets;
- unexpected injuries;
- tactical surprises;
- form swings.
Most probably, we will be able to see more competitive odds for mid‑tier clubs. Moreover, outright markets will be recalibrated throughout the tournament.
European vs Non‑European Clubs
European clubs will still enter the tournament as favorites due to squad depth, financial power, and competitive experience. However, the expanded format gives non‑European clubs more opportunities to build spectacular play during the group stages.
South American clubs, in particular, may benefit from the longer format. They are historically strong, but single‑match knockouts are not in their favor. In 2029, they will have more time to adapt and impose their style.
Factors Influencing Odds
Several new factors will influence how odds are set in the 48‑team tournament. Squad rotation will be a major variable, as clubs must manage more matches in a condensed schedule. European teams will have to deal with even more intense schedules, as they will have to participate in domestic leagues and continental competitions, and the FIFA Club World Cup as well.
Travel fatigue and climate differences will also play a big role. Bookmakers will have to factor in travel distance, acclimatization time, and squad depth. At the same time, the tendency for bettors to back famous clubs regardless of their form will continue to influence odds. These factors might work in favor of bettors with a sharp eye for wagering opportunities on teams that are often underestimated.
The new format will be extremely advantageous for bettors willing to adapt, analyze deeper variables, and look beyond traditional odds. MyBookie gives users the opportunity to bet on all tournament matches with fair odds. The platform already offers markets for every match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and the same coverage can be expected for future major football events.
The 48-team FIFA Club World Cup format, expected to launch in 2029, will change both the tournament itself and the betting market around it. With more teams from different regions, the odds will become more varied and more volatile. They will reflect a broader global competition, where unfamiliar matchups and different playing styles can quickly shift expectations. European clubs will certainly remain favorites, but clubs from other continents will have a chance to challenge them, offering bettors new, valuable wagering opportunities.