Following the conclusion of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which saw Chelsea emerge victorious over PSG in a final held at MetLife Stadium, attention is already turning towards the next iteration of this evolving tournament scheduled for 2029. The Club World Cup is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from its previous format to a much larger-scale event.
Format Evolution: 32 Teams… Or More?
The 2029 edition of the Club World Cup is currently planned to feature 32 teams, a substantial increase compared to the formats used historically. This move is intended to create a more globally representative and competitive tournament. However, reports suggest that discussions are reportedly underway, driven by prominent European clubs among others, to potentially increase the number of participants further to 48.
This proposed expansion, mirroring the structure of the FIFA World Cup for national teams, is seen primarily as a mechanism to amplify global interest and, perhaps more crucially for the participating clubs (and FIFA), to substantially boost prize money and commercial revenue. While 32 teams are confirmed for now, the prospect of 48 remains on the table as the tournament landscape continues to take shape.
Early Birds: Who Has Already Qualified?
While the full roster for 2029 is years from being finalized, four clubs have already secured their berths through victories in recent continental championships. It`s worth noting that despite winning the 2025 title, Chelsea`s spot in the 2029 tournament is not automatically guaranteed based on this achievement; they will need to qualify through future performance.
The qualified teams to date, earning their spot by winning their respective continental flagship competitions in the 2024-25 or 2025 seasons, are:
- PSG (France): Qualified as winners of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League.
- Pyramids FC (Egypt): Qualified as winners of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League.
- Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia): Qualified as winners of the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite.
- Cruz Azul (Mexico): Qualified as winners of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
These four clubs represent the initial contingent setting their sights on the 2029 global showcase.
The Hosting Race: Where Will It Be Played?
The crucial question of where the 2029 tournament will be held remains open. FIFA has yet to make an official announcement, but several nations have expressed interest in hosting the expanded event. Potential candidates who have shown interest include Australia, Brazil, and the United States, which recently staged the 2025 final and possesses significant infrastructure.
Additionally, a joint bid could emerge from Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, potentially leveraging infrastructure planned for the 2030 FIFA World Cup which they are set to co-host. Qatar has also reportedly expressed interest, keen to bring another major FIFA event to the Middle East. However, hosting during the traditional European club season, as occurred with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, could revive logistical challenges and necessitate a disruptive schedule shift for many major leagues worldwide – a prospect that would likely be met with resistance from clubs and leagues alike.
As the FIFA Club World Cup evolves into a larger, more prominent competition, the 2029 edition represents a significant step in this transformation. With key questions about the final format and hosting still to be answered, the path to 2029 promises further developments in the landscape of global club football.
