How 32 Teams Qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
The much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicks off in the United States this weekend with 32 teams from across the globe. This marks the first edition of the expanded tournament, now held every four years and featuring a World Cup-style format.
Europe leads with 12 teams, while South America contributes 6. Africa, Asia, and the CONCACAF region each send 4 teams. Oceania is represented by 1 club, and 2 teams join from the host nation, USA.
So, how did these clubs qualify for the new-format FIFA Club World Cup?
There were two main paths to qualification:
- Winning a continental championship between 2021 and 2024.
- Ranking among the top-performing clubs in continental competitions over a four-year period.
Who qualified as continental champions?
16 clubs secured their places by winning continental titles in their respective regions between 2021 and 2024.
Europe (UEFA Champions League):
- Chelsea (2021)
- Real Madrid (2022 & 2024)
- Manchester City (2023)
South America (Copa Libertadores):
- Palmeiras (2021)
- Flamengo (2022)
- Fluminense (2023)
- Botafogo (2024)
Asia (AFC Champions League):
- Al Hilal (2021)
- Urawa Red Diamonds (2022)
- Al Ain (2023 & 2024)
North America (CONCACAF Champions League):
- Monterrey (2021)
- Seattle Sounders (2022)
- Pachuca (2024)
Africa (CAF Champions League):
- Al Ahly (2021, 2023 & 2024)
- Wydad Casablanca (2022)
Oceania (OFC Champions League):
- Auckland City (2022, 2023 & 2024)
Who qualified based on rankings?
14 teams earned their places by having the best club performance rankings in continental tournaments from 2021 to 2024.
Europe:
- Bayern Munich
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Borussia Dortmund
- Inter Milan
- Porto
- Atletico Madrid
- Benfica
- Juventus
- Red Bull Salzburg
South America:
- River Plate
- Boca Juniors
Asia:
- Ulsan HD
Africa:
- Esperance
- Mamelodi Sundowns
Who are the host nation’s representatives?
FIFA also allowed two U.S.-based teams to join as host nation representatives.
- Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, qualified by winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, which recognizes the top MLS regular-season team.
- Los Angeles FC (LAFC) joined after winning a play-in match against Mexico’s Club America.
Why LAFC instead of Club Leon? FIFA banned Club Leon from participating due to a conflict of interest — both Leon and Pachuca are owned by Grupo Pachuca, and Pachuca had already qualified.
With all 32 spots now filled, the tournament promises thrilling matchups between global powerhouses like Real Madrid, Al Ahly, Bayern Munich, River Plate, and Inter Miami.
In summary, clubs qualified through continental glory or consistent high-level performances. For fans, the new tournament structure brings fresh excitement — and a true global battle for club supremacy.
Tips for Football Fans:
- Keep an eye on underdog teams from Asia, Africa, and CONCACAF — surprises are possible.
- Watch Inter Miami’s games for a dose of Lionel Messi magic on U.S. soil.
- Check match dates early — games will be played across major U.S. cities.
