Argentine soccer player Esteban Cambiasso expressed strong optimism about the newly restructured FIFA Club World Cup.
Cambiasso attended the 2025 Club World Cup Trophy Tour on Thursday at Naver 1784 in Seongnam. He expressed his positive outlook on the tournament’s new format, emphasizing that it provides an excellent opportunity for teams to elevate themselves to a world-class level.
The former midfielder, who won the tournament with Inter Milan (Italy) in 2010, has firsthand experience of the competition’s prestige.
FIFA has revamped the Club World Cup, moving it from an annual event to a quadrennial format. The competition has also grown significantly, from just 7 teams to 32.
Previously, only one team from each continent participated, but the new format will feature multiple teams from each region, promising a more diverse and exciting competition for fans worldwide.
With the increase in participants, some of the world’s most famous clubs—including Inter Milan, Real Madrid (Spain), and River Plate (Argentina), all of which Cambiasso played for—will now compete in this prestigious tournament.
Cambiasso expressed confidence in his former clubs, saying, “I believe Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and River Plate will do exceptionally well.” He explained that the Club World Cup will feature a wide range of soccer styles, offering fans and players a unique and exciting experience.
The Argentine legend also highlighted the tournament’s uniqueness, noting that, unlike the World Cup, which features national teams, the Club World Cup offers fans the chance to witness a variety of playing styles from clubs across different continents.
Ulsan Hyundai, the only South Korean team in the tournament, faces a tough challenge in Group F, alongside Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa).
Cambiasso encouraged Ulsan, acknowledging the strength of their group but emphasizing the importance of facing tough competition. He stressed the significance of their opening match against Mamelodi Sundowns, suggesting that a victory could boost the team’s confidence and set them up for a successful run in the tournament.