FIFA’s Club World Cup Rule Could Sideline Key Players for Gold Cup

FIFA’s Club World Cup Rule Could Sideline Key Players for Gold Cup

In a move that could shake up the soccer world, FIFA has announced that clubs participating in the 2025 Club World Cup are not required to release players to their national teams during the competition. This decision, outlined in official competition documents, could have significant implications for the Concacaf Gold Cup, which is set to take place at the same time. For fans of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this could mean some of their favorite stars might be missing in action.

Let’s break it down. The Gold Cup is a critical tournament for these nations as they prepare to co-host the 2026 World Cup. It’s the last major competition before the big event, and having a full roster is essential for fine-tuning strategies and building team chemistry. But FIFA’s new rule could throw a wrench into those plans.

Who Could Be Missing?

While the number of players affected might be small, the impact could be huge. Canada, for instance, might have to do without some of its biggest names, including Tajon Buchanan of Inter Milan, Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich, and Stephen Eustáquio of FC Porto. For the U.S., the potential absences are just as concerning. Key players like Weston McKennie and Tim Weah from Juventus, as well as Gio Reyna from Borussia Dortmund, could be unavailable.

And that’s not all. Depending on how the next six months play out, the U.S. could also be missing rising stars like Cole Campbell of Dortmund, Brandon Vazquez of Monterrey, and Chelsea’s Gaga Slonina and Caleb Wiley, who are currently on loan at Barnsley and Strasbourg, respectively.

Mexico, meanwhile, might be less affected since its traditional powerhouses—Club America, Cruz Azul, Chivas de Guadalajara, and UNAM Pumas—aren’t in the Club World Cup. However, they could still lose players like Monterrey’s Gerardo Arteaga and Germán Berterame, as well as Seattle Sounders’ up-and-coming midfielder Obed Vargas.

What Does FIFA Say?

The competition documents make it clear: “For the duration of the Competition, it is not mandatory for clubs participating in the Competition to release their registered players to the representative teams of the country for which those players are eligible to play.” The only exception is the international window from June 2-10, which falls before both the Club World Cup and the Gold Cup, both of which kick off on June 14, 2025.

Adding to the challenge, the regulations also state that “each participating club automatically undertakes to … field their strongest team throughout the competition.” This means clubs are obligated to prioritize the Club World Cup over national team duties, potentially leaving countries like the U.S., Canada, and Mexico scrambling to fill their rosters.

Why Does This Matter?

Historically, FIFA has required clubs to release players for international windows and major tournaments like the Gold Cup. But this new rule could set a precedent, and not everyone is thrilled about it. The Gold Cup is a vital part of the preparation process for the 2026 World Cup, and missing key players could hinder the co-hosts’ ability to compete at their best.

Concacaf, however, remains optimistic. A spokesperson told ESPN, “We are incredibly excited about next summer’s Gold Cup. As the last official national team competition in our region before the 2026 World Cup, the tournament will provide all participating federations with a great challenge and will be critical to their preparations for World Cup qualification and the FIFA World Cup itself. It also presents a great opportunity for fans to engage with the sport at this exciting time for football in the region.”

Still, the spokesperson acknowledged the potential impact of FIFA’s decision, noting that it “may impact a very small number of players who are eligible to play in both tournaments but we know that the Gold Cup will be a tremendous success.”

The Bigger Picture

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been a vocal advocate for the Club World Cup, even as critics argue that the soccer calendar is already overcrowded. Infantino’s push to expand FIFA’s influence in the club game—and potentially siphon revenue from the Champions League—seems to be taking priority, even if it comes at the expense of the World Cup preparations for its 2026 co-hosts.

For fans, the stakes are high. The Gold Cup is not just another tournament; it’s a chance to see their national teams at full strength before the world’s biggest stage. But with FIFA’s new rule in play, the road to 2026 just got a little more complicated.