Kane sees Club World Cup as key scouting mission ahead of 2026 World Cup

Harry Kane’s eyes are firmly set on the future, with two major tournaments on his horizon.

Not only does the England striker have his sights on a strong finish to the season with Bayern Munich, but he’s also using the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup (FCWC) as a scouting mission for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The inaugural edition of the expanded tournament offers Kane the rare opportunity to compete against teams from across the globe, further developing his international experience and preparation for the World Cup in just over a year.

“Yeah, I think it’s going to be great,” said Kane. “I mean, it’s going to be unique, playing this type of major tournament with your club is different to what’s been done in the past but I think it’s going to be a great experience.“

For Kane, the chance to play in some of the USA's major stadiums, while also experiencing the American football environment first-hand, is invaluable.  With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, Kane sees the tournament as a vital part of his personal and professional preparation.

“Going out to the US, as well, a year before the (FIFA) World Cup itself will be a great chance to get to know some of the stadiums and get to know the fans out there,” he said.

“And, yeah, it’s going to be a really great tournament. As always, when it’s the first of any type of tournament, people are wondering how it’s going to go but I’m really excited for it.”

One of the most exciting matchups in the Club World Cup will see Bayern Munich face Boca Juniors. The Argentine side, with their passionate fanbase and rich history, will be a formidable opponent for Bayern, but Kane is not one to shy away from a challenge.

“Yeah, that’ll be a special match,” he said. “I think it’ll be one of the stand-out matches in the whole of the group phase and in the whole tournament, to be honest. I think it’s a great experience for the players to play against different teams around the world.

“Of course, we’re so used to playing in Europe and, yeah, it’s good to have those experiences against different types of teams, different atmospheres. I think that game is in Miami, which will be pretty special, as well, with the fan base there. So, again, another experience to look forward to. It’ll be a really tough game but one we’ll enjoy.”

The revamped tournament, which will be held every four years, will have eight groups of four with the top two teams from each group going through to the knockout stages — the same format as the World Cup.

Joining Bayern Munich and Boca Juniors will be a host of strong teams eager to make their mark on the inaugural edition of the tournament, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, River Plate, Juventus, and Al Ain.

Al Zaeem earned their spot in the 2025 edition by winning last season's AFC Champions League, where they defeated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and ended Al Hilal’s 34-match winning streak on their way to lifting continental silverware for the second time in their history.

To win the tournament, any team will need to overcome the very best in world football — a challenge that Kane believes his Bayern Munich side are more than capable of.

“For sure, to win it,” said Kane of Bayern’s ambitions.  

“We’re one of the best teams in the world, without a doubt, so every tournament we go into, the idea is to win. We know it’ll be tough, of course, as every major tournament will be. But, look, we’re having a good season.

“Of course, we’re focused on the Bundesliga and the [UEFA] Champions League right now, but once we’re there in June, I think there’ll be a real hunger to try and be the first ones to win this tournament.”