In a year when nearly half the world’s population has exercised their democratic right in national elections, it might seem fitting for FIFA’s 211 member associations—outnumbering the United Nations—to have their own say. But when it comes to choosing the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 men’s World Cups on December 11, democracy takes on a rather unique flavour.

Instead of a competitive vote, FIFA has presented its member associations with one option for each tournament: the coalition of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco for 2030, and Saudi Arabia for 2034. The decision will be made “en bloc” via a standing acclamation—clapping, essentially—conducted online.

For those hoping for a more robust process, this is business as usual for FIFA, where democratic gestures often serve as window dressing. Former general secretary Jérôme Valcke once candidly stated, “Less democracy is sometimes better for organising a World Cup.” That sentiment appears alive and well.

While Saudi Arabia’s confirmation as the 2034 host is all but certain, FIFA’s immediate challenge lies with its expanded Club World Cup, scheduled to debut in the United States next July. The 32-team format, designed to rival the Champions League in scale, has been a tough sell to broadcasters and sponsors alike.

So far, only two sponsors have signed on: AB InBev (makers of Budweiser and Michelob Ultra) and Chinese electronics brand Hisense. This is underwhelming for a tournament that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has promised will deliver significant commercial returns. The organisation has struggled to convince global broadcasters and streamers to pay premium prices for the event, with revenue concerns looming large.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)—already backing FIFA’s ambitions through projects like LIV Golf—might step in here as well. Likely sponsors for both the Club World Cup and Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid include state-owned enterprises like Aramco and Riyadh Air.

In the meantime, FIFA has been exploring creative ways to raise funds. It recently launched digital collectibles of the Club World Cup trophy, crafted by Tiffany & Co., for $29.99 per pack. Collectors can vie for tickets to the tournament’s opening game, though the gimmick reflects the organisation’s broader struggles to generate excitement around the event.

While FIFA wrestles with commercial challenges, the Premier League continues its dominance in global broadcasting. Its new three-year international rights cycle, beginning in 2025-26, has seen a staggering 17 per cent increase in revenue, adding £1.75 billion to the league’s coffers.

For the first time, overseas broadcasting deals now outstrip domestic ones, with the most recent being a six-year, £440 million agreement with Jasmine International for coverage in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This follows massive deals in the United States and other regions, highlighting the enduring global appeal of English football.

The Premier League’s financial muscle remains unmatched, further stretching its advantage over other domestic leagues. Meanwhile, Microsoft has replaced Oracle as the league’s “official cloud” partner in a broader technology partnership, adding even more commercial clout to the world’s most-watched football competition.

As FIFA moves to rubber-stamp Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup and grapples with selling its revamped Club World Cup, the Premier League stands in sharp contrast, enjoying unprecedented global revenue growth. Whether it’s through acclamation or competition, the game’s biggest players are finding ways to dominate—but the styles couldn’t be more different.