After PSG victory: This could be the new and controversial UEFA Super Cup format
Paris Saint-Germain claimed the UEFA Super Cup title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The clash took place in Udine, serving as the curtain-raiser for the European soccer season — and possibly marking the end of an era for the competition.
Reports from England suggest that significant changes could be on the horizon, including a complete overhaul of the tournament’s format and even a relocation of its venue. Saudi Arabia and the United States remain strong contenders to host future editions.
According to The Telegraph, UEFA is considering expanding the Super Cup into a four-team mini-tournament. The proposed structure would feature two semifinals leading to a single-match final, with the winner of the UEFA Europa Conference League included in the mix.
The biggest question remains the source of the fourth participant, which could open the door to non-European clubs. Potential hosting locations under discussion include Saudi Arabia and the United States, adding a global twist to what has traditionally been an all-European affair.
Local teams could join the mix
Remarkably, UEFA is reportedly open to the possibility of inviting a local team from the host nation — whether North America or the Middle East — to participate. While no official announcements have been made, UEFA leadership in Nyon acknowledges that the current single-match format has been losing relevance in the crowded soccer calendar.
Transitioning to a multi-match event could extend the tournament from 90 minutes (since extra time was removed) to as much as 270 minutes of play across several days.
Business meets soccer’s changing landscape
This wouldn’t be the first time UEFA has restructured its competitions. Recent expansions in participant numbers are part of a broader strategy to counter the European Super League and maintain commercial dominance over FIFA in the global football economy. More games mean more revenue, keeping national federations aligned with UEFA’s vision.
If approved, the 2025 Super Cup could be the last in its current form, with PSG potentially the final champion of the traditional one-match format. By the summer of 2026, the revamped edition might be in place for 2027, in a sport that continues to shorten rest periods while expanding competition schedules. Both Saudi Arabia and the United States await further directives from UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin’s executive board.