Revamped FIFA Club World Cup Kicks Off in U.S

The revamped FIFA Club World Cup begins this weekend in the United States, featuring 32 teams from across the globe in a new quadrennial format.

Europe leads the representation with 12 clubs, followed by South America (6), while Asia, Africa, and the CONCACAF region each have four. Oceania is represented by one club, with the final spot reserved for a host nation representative.

Qualification is determined either by winning a continental championship or through a four-year club performance ranking in continental competitions.

Continental Champions

Sixteen clubs booked their place by clinching continental titles from 2021 to 2024:

• UEFA Champions League: Chelsea (ENG/2021), Real Madrid (ESP/2022 & 2024), Manchester City (ENG/2023)
• Copa Libertadores: Palmeiras (BRA/2021), Flamengo (BRA/2022), Fluminense (BRA/2023), Botafogo (BRA/2024)
• AFC Champions League: Al Hilal (KSA/2021), Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN/2022), Al Ain (UAE/2023 & 2024)
• CONCACAF Champions League: Monterrey (MEX/2021), Seattle Sounders (USA/2022), Pachuca (MEX/2024)
• CAF Champions League: Al Ahly (EGY/2021, 2023, 2024), Wydad Casablanca (MAR/2022)
• OFC Champions League: Auckland City (NZL/2022, 2023, 2024)

Ranking-Based Qualifiers

Fourteen clubs earned qualification through sustained high-level performances over four years:

• Europe: Bayern Munich (GER), Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Inter Milan (ITA), Porto (POR), Atletico Madrid (ESP), Benfica (POR), Juventus (ITA), Red Bull Salzburg (AUT)
• South America: River Plate (ARG), Boca Juniors (ARG)
• Asia: Ulsan HD (KOR)
• Africa: Esperance (TUN), Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)

Host Nation Representatives

The final two spots are filled by clubs from the host nation:

Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, qualified by winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield for the best MLS regular-season performance. Despite LA Galaxy claiming the MLS Cup, Miami’s consistency earned them the nod.

Los Angeles FC secured the final berth with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Club America in a play-in match, following FIFA’s disqualification of Mexican club Leon. Leon were barred due to ownership conflicts involving Grupo Pachuca, which also owns fellow entrant Pachuca.

The tournament marks a significant expansion of FIFA’s global club competition, setting the stage for an exciting summer of international football.