The expanded FIFA Club World Cup kicks off this weekend in the United States, featuring 32 teams from around the world in a tournament now planned to be held every four years.
European clubs make up the largest contingent, with 12 representatives, followed by South America with six. Asia, Africa, and the CONCACAF region (covering North and Central America and the Caribbean) each contribute four clubs, while Oceania has one, and the host nation is represented by two teams.
There are two routes to qualification: either by winning a continental championship between 2021 and 2024 or by ranking among the top-performing clubs in continental competitions over that four-year span.
Continental Champions
A total of 16 clubs earned their place by winning their respective continental tournaments. Europe’s representatives include Chelsea (2021), Real Madrid (2022 and 2024), and Manchester City (2023), all UEFA Champions League winners. South America’s places are held by Palmeiras (2021), Flamengo (2022), Fluminense (2023), and Botafogo (2024), winners of the Copa Libertadores.
From Asia, Al Hilal (2021), Urawa Red Diamonds (2022), and Al Ain (2023 and 2024) booked their places. In the CONCACAF zone, Monterrey (2021), Seattle Sounders (2022), and Pachuca (2024) are confirmed. African champions include Al Ahly (2021, 2023, 2024) and Wydad Casablanca (2022), while Auckland City represent Oceania, having won the OFC Champions League three times (2022, 2023, 2024).
Top Club Rankings
Another 14 teams qualified through their consistent performances over the past four years in continental competitions.
European clubs qualifying through this route include Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Porto, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Juventus, and Red Bull Salzburg. South American sides River Plate and Boca Juniors also qualified, along with Ulsan HD from South Korea in Asia, and African representatives Esperance of Tunisia and Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
Host Nation Teams
Two spots have been allocated to clubs from the United States, the host country. Inter Miami qualified as the best team in the 2024 MLS regular season, winning the Supporters’ Shield. Though LA Galaxy lifted the MLS Cup, it is Lionel Messi’s side that takes one of the coveted places.
The final slot went to Los Angeles FC, who defeated Mexico’s Club America in a play-off last month. This opportunity arose after FIFA banned Mexican side Club León from the competition due to a conflict of interest, as both León and fellow participants Pachuca are owned by the same parent group, Grupo Pachuca.
LAFC, who were runners-up to León in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, were chosen as replacements.
