Anticipating the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Key Details and Qualified Teams
The countdown to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has begun, with the tournament scheduled to commence on June 14, 2025. After a pause of two years, the competition is set to return with an expanded format, promising an even more thrilling spectacle for football fans worldwide.
This edition will feature 32 participating clubs-an increase from the previous 7-competing not only for the prestigious trophy and global recognition but also for a share of a record-breaking $1 billion prize fund. The tournament’s revamped structure aims to include a broader array of teams from across the globe, reflecting FIFA’s goal to elevate the event’s competitiveness and international appeal.
By broadening the field, FIFA hopes to attract a larger global audience and foster a more diverse and intense competition, positioning the 2025 edition as one of the most competitive in the history of international club football.
Qualification Overview: Who’s in and How They Got There
Representatives from all six of the world’s major football confederations-UEFA (Europe), CONMEBOL (South America), AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North and Central America), and OFC (Oceania)-will participate in the expanded tournament. The allocation of spots is primarily based on each confederation’s historical strength and recent performance in continental competitions.
European and South American Powerhouses
For UEFA and CONMEBOL, qualification hinges on performances in their premier club tournaments-the UEFA Champions League and the Copa Libertadores-over the past four seasons. The winners of each year’s top club competition automatically secure a spot, with additional berths awarded to the highest-ranked teams that have not yet qualified, based on their overall performance during this period.
Qualification from Asia, Africa, and North America
The AFC, CAF, and CONCACAF regions follow a more straightforward qualification process. The champions of their respective continental tournaments-the AFC Champions League, CAF Champions League, and Concacaf Champions Cup-earn direct entry. An exception exists this year, which will be explained further below.
Oceania’s Path to the Tournament
Oceania’s qualification is limited to a single spot. The team with the highest FIFA club coefficient among the last four OFC Champions League winners will earn the ticket to the World Cup.
Handling Multiple Winners and Ties
If a club wins its confederation’s tournament more than once during the qualification period, the next best-ranked team that has not yet qualified will take its place. Rankings are determined through a points system that rewards victories and deep runs in continental competitions over the past four years, ensuring a fair and competitive selection process.
Confirmed Teams and Their Qualification Routes
Below is a comprehensive list of the teams that have secured their spots for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, along with details on how they qualified:
Confederation | Team | Qualification Method |
---|---|---|
AFC | Al Hilal | 2021 AFC Champions League Winner |
AFC | Urawa Red Diamonds | 2022 AFC Champions League Winner |
AFC | Al Ain | 2023-24 AFC Champions League Winner |
AFC | Ulsan Hyundai | Next highest-ranked AFC team |
CAF | Al Ahly | 2020-21, 2022-23, 2023-24 CAF Champions League Winners |
CAF | Wydad AC | 2021-22 CAF Champions League Winner |
CAF | Espérance de Tunis | Next best-ranked CAF team |
CAF | Mamelodi Sundowns | Next best-ranked CAF team |
CONCACAF | Monterrey | 2021 Concacaf Champions Cup Winner |
CONCACAF | Seattle Sounders FC | 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup Winner |
CONCACAF | Pachuca | 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Winner |
CONCACAF | Los Angeles FC / Club América | Play-In Match |
CONCACAF | Inter Miami | Host team |
CONCACAF | LAFC | Playoff Winner |
CONMEBOL | Palmeiras | 2021 Copa Libertadores Winner |
CONMEBOL | Flamengo | 2022 Copa Libertadores Winner |
CONMEBOL | Fluminense | 2023 Copa Libertadores Winner |
CONMEBOL | Botafogo | 2024 Copa Libertadores Winner |
CONMEBOL | River Plate | Next highest-ranked team |
CONMEBOL | Boca Juniors | Next highest-ranked team |
OFC | Auckland City | Top OFC Champions League winner |
UEFA | Chelsea | 2020-21 UEFA Champions League Winner |
UEFA | Real Madrid | 2021-22, 2023-24 UEFA Champions League Winners |
UEFA | Manchester City | 2022-23 UEFA Champions League Winner |
UEFA | Bayern Munich | Next top-ranked UEFA team |
UEFA | Paris Saint-Germain | Next top-ranked UEFA team |
UEFA | Inter Milan | Next top-ranked UEFA team |
UEFA | Porto | Next top-ranked UEFA team |
UEFA | Benfica | Next top-ranked UEFA team |
UEFA | Borussia Dortmund | Next top-ranked UEFA team |
UEFA | Juventus | Next top-ranked UEFA team |
UEFA | Atlético Madrid | Next top-ranked UEFA team |
UEFA | Red Bull Salzburg | Next top-ranked UEFA team |
Stay Updated with FIFA Club World Cup News and Insights
For the latest updates, previews, and expert analysis on the FIFA Club World Cup, stay tuned to our dedicated coverage. As the tournament approaches, we will provide in-depth insights into team performances, key players to watch, and strategic predictions to enhance your viewing experience.