The inaugural edition of the new-look FIFA Club World Cup has just concluded. Chelsea secured the trophy with a 3-0 victory over PSG in the final at MetLife Stadium. While attention is now shifting towards the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer, with its final also scheduled for the same venue, we can also look ahead to the next Club World Cup planned for 2029.
Potential Format Expansion?
Currently, FIFA has not announced any changes to the planned format, which is set to feature 32 teams participating in the tournament in the summer of 2029. However, reports indicate that several European clubs, in particular, have been urging FIFA`s leadership to consider expanding the event to include 48 teams, mirroring the senior World Cup format. An increased number of teams would likely generate greater interest in the competition and also boost prize money, a significant draw for the participating clubs.
Teams Already Qualified
Based on the current 32-team format, four clubs have already secured their place in the 2029 Club World Cup. Although Chelsea will carry the 2025 champion badge for the next four years, their spot in the 2029 tournament is not guaranteed based on that win alone. Paris Saint-Germain is confirmed to participate in the 2029 edition as they won the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League before their loss to Chelsea in the World Cup final. From Africa, Egyptian club Pyramids FC qualified as winners of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League. Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia also secured a spot by winning the same season`s AFC Champions League Elite. The fourth team to qualify so far is Mexican side Cruz Azul, winners of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Here is the list of currently qualified teams:
- PSG, France – Winners of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League
- Pyramids, Egypt – Winners of the 2024-25 CAF Champions League
- Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia – Winners of the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite
- Cruz Azul, Mexico – Winners of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup
Host Nation for the 2029 CWC?
As of now, there is no official announcement regarding the host nation for the 2029 Club World Cup, but several countries have expressed interest in hosting. Both Australia and Brazil have shown interest. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also mentioned the possibility of the United States hosting again. Additionally, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal are potential candidates, having recently co-hosted events leading up to the 2030 World Cup which will take place in those nations. Qatar has also expressed interest in hosting the 2029 tournament; however, a late-year schedule, as seen with the 2022 World Cup in November-December, could significantly disrupt the calendar of European and other leagues.
