The FIFA Club World Cup could be described as the the club version of the World Cup. A global tournament where the top teams from each continent compete for international glory. First held in 2000, it was paused from 2001 to 2004, but returned in 2005 as an annual event until 2023.
From 2025 onwards, FIFA is revamping it into a 32-team tournament, to be staged every four years. The 32 teams will be divided into eight groups of four teams with the top two teams in each group qualifying to the knockout stage.
What is the Club World Cup?
The FIFA Club World Cup could be described as the the club version of the World Cup. A global tournament where the top teams from each continent compete for international glory. First held in 2000, it was paused from 2001 to 2004, but returned in 2005 as an annual event until 2023.
From 2025 onwards, FIFA is revamping it into a 32-team tournament, to be staged every four years. The 32 teams will be divided into eight groups of four teams with the top two teams in each group qualifying to the knockout stage.
How do teams qualify for the Club World Cup?
Teams qualify for the Club World Cup by winning their respective continental competitions. For instance, Real Madrid secured a spot by winning the UEFA Champions League, while Botafogo qualified through their Copa Libertadores triumph.
In regions with multiple qualification slots, such as UEFA and CONMEBOL, additional teams can earn a place based on their performance in continental tournaments held between 2021 and 2024. This system has allowed clubs like Bayern Munich and River Plate to qualify as the highest-ranked eligible teams from their respective confederations.
How do teams qualify for the Club World Cup?
Teams qualify for the Club World Cup by winning their respective continental competitions. For instance, Real Madrid secured a spot by winning the UEFA Champions League, while Botafogo qualified through their Copa Libertadores triumph.
In regions with multiple qualification slots, such as UEFA and CONMEBOL, additional teams can earn a place based on their performance in continental tournaments held between 2021 and 2024. This system has allowed clubs like Bayern Munich and River Plate to qualify as the highest-ranked eligible teams from their respective confederations.