They give the United States the headquarters of all the tournaments and the big boss of the MLS comes out to justify

FIFA's decision to expand the Club World Cup and host it in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026 has faced significant backlash from players and European leagues. Despite the growing concerns over fixture congestion, MLS Commissioner Don Garber has defended the tournament.

The new Club World Cup, featuring 12 European clubs, is set to take place after an expanded Champions League season and before a 48-team World Cup. The congested schedule has prompted many top players to speak out, with some even threatening to strike. European leagues, the FIFPro Europe players' union, and LaLiga have filed a joint antitrust complaint against FIFA over the issue.

Too Much Football? FIFA's New Tournament Sparks Controversy

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has been particularly vocal in his opposition to the expanded tournament, calling for its cancellation. Speaking in Brussels this week, Tebas argued that the tournament lacked sponsorship and broadcast deals and was unnecessary.

When asked about the criticism, Garber acknowledged the concerns but defended FIFA's decision. "We all need to be mindful of the calendar, and I understand Javier's point of view," Garber told reporters at the Leaders Week London summit. "But this is a global sport, and FIFA is trying to balance the interests of different stakeholders."

The MLS commissioner emphasized the importance of the Club World Cup in growing the sport globally and argued that it would provide fans with more opportunities to see the world's best clubs and players compete. However, with players and leagues increasingly concerned about player burnout and the impact on domestic competitions, it remains to be seen whether FIFA will be able to address these concerns and move forward with its plans for the expanded tournament.