A Guide to the New FIFA Club World Cup
The new era of the FIFA Club World Cup is a global football tournament that brings together teams from around the world on a stage like no other. It is the only club competition that completely unites the footballing world.
FIFA has stepped up to recreate the World Cup in a club format, where pride is one of the biggest motivations in this tournament to represent their respective home nation on the world stage. Many countries feel underrepresented in terms of talent in the professional football industry. This competition enables many of these teams and players to face European or South American giants and establish their name. According to Outplayed, a specialist in value betting, their extensive research revealed that the FIFA Club World Cup also offers the largest ever prize pool awarded in a single sport, with a $1 billion prize fund set to be prevalent every four years for the tournament.
The History of the Club World Cup
The early origins of the FIFA Club World Cup date back to 2000. The host nation was Brazil, and the tournament featured eight teams. Despite some of the biggest teams in the world participating, including Real Madrid and Manchester United, the home team Corinthians won, becoming the first champion. The competition then experienced a four-year hiatus and was reintroduced in 2005 under a new format, which included six continental champions and one host nation team. The tournament was held annually and replaced the discontinued Continental Cup. Over time, Europe has dominated the FIFA Club World Cup, with Real Madrid holding the record for most titles at five. Plans for a new FIFA Club World Cup were originally scheduled for 2021; however, the global pandemic delayed the revamp. It was not until this year that the new 32-team format was introduced to the FIFA Club World Cup.
The FIFA Club World Cup Format
The FIFA Club World Cup has drawn inspiration from the FIFA World Cup, as well as the old UEFA Champions League formats. The competition will now consistently feature 32 teams, divided into eight groups, which include four teams from around the world. In the group stage, teams will play each other once in a round-robin format. After the three matches, the top two teams will advance to the Round of 16, while the other two teams are eliminated. All knockout matches will be single-elimination contests, with ties resolved through extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.
How to Qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup
Clubs must meet specific criteria to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup. Twelve European teams can qualify; the previous four UCL winners determine these, and the other eight are the teams with the highest coefficient ranking. Six South American teams can qualify, determined by the previous four Copa Libertadores winners, as well as two spots for the highest-ranking clubs in the CONMEBOL club rankings. The AFC has four qualification slots, awarded to the AFC Champions League winners and the best-performing clubs based on the AFC club rankings. CAF also has four slots, with clubs that have won the CAF Champions League qualifying as well, along with the top clubs according to the CAF club rankings. CONCACAF has four slots available to the winners of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, as well as the top-ranked clubs in the CONCACAF club rankings. The OFC has a single slot for the highest-ranked OFC club. Additionally, the host country will have one club spot. In 2025, Inter Miami was selected due to their MLS Cup win.
Notable Teams Who Competed in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
PSG
The reigning UEFA Champions League winners boast a vibrant team filled with youthful talent and enthusiasm, making them a formidable force on the pitch. Having recently secured a historic treble, their momentum is genuine, and they entered as one of the frontrunners in the upcoming competition. With a mix of skill, speed, and energy, this team is poised to leave a lasting mark as they strive for continued success.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is one of the most illustrious football clubs in history, boasting a rich legacy filled with legendary players and remarkable achievements. Although the most recent season may not have been their best, the club strategically strengthened its squad before the competition with the arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager and the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen joining the ranks, positioning Los Blancos as a formidable force against rivals.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City entered the tournament with the aim of securing their first piece of silverware in over a year, offering a positive note on a disappointing season by their standards. Before the 2024/25 season, Manchester City was regarded as one of the most formidable teams globally, boasting world-class players, including Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. It has been a season to forget for Pep and the City fans based on their usual performance levels, though, and it culminated with extra-time defeat in the Round of 16 at the hands of Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal to dump the side out of the tournament.
Chelsea Emerge Victorious
Chelsea etched their name in football history by winning the FIFA Club World Cup this month, a landmark achievement for the London-based club. Their 3-0 victory in the final against PSG not only added a prestigious global trophy to their cabinet but also showcased their growth on the world stage after a few troublesome years. By overcoming top continental champions from across the globe, Chelsea demonstrated their ability to compete beyond the Premier League and European competitions.
Their triumph served as a testament to the club’s new tactical discipline, squad depth, and resilience under pressure spearheaded by Enzo Maresca. Chelsea’s win was celebrated not just by their loyal fanbase but also signified a broader breakthrough for English football clubs in the tournament’s modern era. The success provided further proof that the FIFA Club World Cup is a proving ground where established giants and emerging contenders alike can assert their dominance on a truly international platform.