Explained: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 qualification process

The newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup 2025 commences this weekend across 11 cities in the United States, featuring 32 clubs from different continents. Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami will take on Egyptian side Al Ahly in the tournament opener.

European teams dominate the tournament with 12 participants, while South American clubs follow with six representatives. The competition includes four teams each from Asia, Africa and CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean regions).

The tournament roster is completed with one club from Oceania and an additional team representing the host country.


FIFA has established dual qualification pathways for the tournament, which they plan to hold quadrennially. Teams can secure their spot either by winning their respective continental championships or through a ranking system that evaluates clubs' performances in continental competitions across a four-year timeframe.

CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONS

The continental champions from 2021 to 2024 comprised these 16 qualifying teams:

• UEFA Champions League winners: Chelsea (ENG/2021), Real Madrid (ESP/2022 and 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 and 2024)
• CONCACAF Champions League winners: Monterrey (MEX/2021), Seattle Sounders (USA/2022), Pachuca (MEX/2024)
• CAF Champions League winners: Al Ahly (EGY/2021, 2023 and 2024), Wydad Casablanca (MAR/2022)
• OFC Champions League winners: Auckland City (NZL/2022, 2023 and 2024)

BEST FOUR-YEAR RANKINGS

These 14 teams secured their spots through their achievements in continental club tournaments during the previous four-year period:

• 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 CLUBS

Two spots in the tournament have been allocated to teams competing on their home ground. FIFA's new competition will feature Lionel Messi's Inter Miami as the host nation's designated representatives.

They secured their place by winning the Supporters Shield for their outstanding performance in the 2024 MLS regular season.

Los Angeles FC secured the final position after defeating Mexico's Club America 2-1 in extra time during a play-in match at the end of last month.

The vacancy arose when FIFA disqualified Mexican club Leon from participating in the tournament. The disqualification stemmed from Leon's ownership by Grupo Pachuca, which also controls another participating team, Liga MX side Pachuca.

LAFC received their opportunity based on their status as runners-up to Leon in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League.