The revamped FIFA Club World Cup kicks off this weekend in the United States, featuring 32 teams from around the world.
Europe leads the list with 12 teams, followed by South America with six. Asia, Africa, and the CONCACAF region (covering North and Central America and the Caribbean) each have four teams. Oceania is represented by one club, and the host nation adds another team to complete the line-up.
There are two ways to qualify for the tournament—now scheduled to be held every four years:
- By winning a continental championship between 2021 and 2024.
- By ranking among the top clubs based on continental competition performances over the past four years.
Continental Champions (2021–2024)
- UEFA Champions League winners:
- Chelsea (ENG/2021)
- Real Madrid (ESP/2022, 2024)
- Manchester City (ENG/2023)
- Copa Libertadores winners:
- Palmeiras (BRA/2021)
- Flamengo (BRA/2022)
- Fluminense (BRA/2023)
- Botafogo (BRA/2024)
- AFC Champions League winners:
- Al Hilal (KSA/2021)
- Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN/2022)
- Al Ain (UAE/2023, 2024)
- CONCACAF Champions League winners:
- Monterrey (MEX/2021)
- Seattle Sounders (USA/2022)
- Pachuca (MEX/2024)
- CAF Champions League winners:
- Al Ahly (EGY/2021, 2023, 2024)
- Wydad Casablanca (MAR/2022)
- OFC Champions League winners:
- Auckland City (NZL/2022, 2023, 2024)
Top Clubs by Four-Year Ranking
These 14 clubs qualified based on consistent success in continental tournaments from 2021 to 2024:
- 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
Two U.S.-based teams complete the line-up. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, will represent the host country after winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield—despite LA Galaxy securing the MLS Cup.
Los Angeles FC earned the final spot after a 2–1 extra-time win over Club América (MEX) in a special play-in match. This opportunity opened after FIFA disqualified Mexican club León due to a conflict of interest: León shares ownership with Pachuca, another qualified team.
