FIFA announced on Sunday the new format of the 2025 competition in the US with a special bonus for Major League Soccer.
Luis Guillermo Vázquezluis_lgazulCalum RocheEnglish_ASUpdate: Dec 17th, 2023 12:55 EST
Adam Cairns/Columbus DispatchUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
On Sunday, FIFA confirmed the official dates for the next FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which will be held in the United States. Additionally, FIFA provided details about the tournament, including the notable point that Major League Soccer will have an additional slot as the host of the tournament. To date, the North American league already has one qualified team, the Seattle Sounders, after winning the 2022 Concacaf Champions League by defeating UNAM Pumas in the final.
On the eve of the 2023 Club World Cup semifinals, where Manchester City is preparing to make its debut, FIFA met in Jeddah, where it announced details about the new format of the international tournament to be held in North America in 2025. For the first time, it will feature 32 teams. However, the international governing body announced that it would grant another ticket to a team from the host country, i.e., MLS. This means that there could be up to three representatives from MLS if a team from Don Garber’s league wins the 2024 CONCACAF tournament.
FIFA Council confirms key details for FIFA Club World Cup 2025☑️First edition of FIFA’s new prime club competition to be played from 15 June to 13 July 2025 in the United States☑️Ranking methodology confirmed based on sporting criteria👉 https://t.co/3wPWRAnDvG pic.twitter.com/cOEtzoanEb
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) December 17, 2023
Club World Cup 2025: teams already qualified
Of the 32 teams that will compete, 19 have already secured their spots. These include the last three UEFA Champions League champions, the last three Concacaf Champions League winners, and the winners of the last editions of the Copa Libertadores.
Additionally, clubs like PSG, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Benfica, and Porto have qualified through UEFA’s points system. The three champions of the Asian Champions League also have their places confirmed.
Regional qualified clubs
UEFA
Champions League winners – 4 clubs
– 2020/21: Chelsea FC (ENG)
– 2021/22: Real Madrid CF (Spain)
– 2022/23: Manchester City FC (England)
– 2023/24: To be confirmed
Through the points system – 8 clubs
– FC Bayern Munich (GER)
– Paris Saint-Germain FC (FRA)
– Inter Milan (ITA)
– FC Porto (POR)
– SL Benfica (POR)
– To be confirmed (3 clubs)
Asia
AFC Champions League winners – 3 clubs
– 2021: Al Hilal SFC (KSA)
– 2022: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
– 2023/24: To be confirmed
Through the points system – 1 club
– To be confirmed
Official:If Al Nassr wins the AFC Champions League this season, they will participate in:• Intercontinental Cup 2024• FIFA Club World Cup 2025 https://t.co/wJBrehfn2n pic.twitter.com/miK0mt8oA3
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) December 17, 2023
Africa
CAF Champions League winners – 4 clubs
– 2020/21 and 2022-23: Al Ahly SC (EGY)
– 2021/22: Wydad AC (MAR)
– 2023/24: To be confirmed
Through the points system – 1 club
– To be confirmed
CONCACAF
Champions League – 4 clubs
– 2021: CF Monterrey (MEX)
– 2022: Seattle Sounders FC (USA)
– 2023: Club León (MEX)
– 2024: To be confirmed
Oceania
Through the points system – 1 club
– Auckland City FC (NZL)
Conmebol
Copa Libertadores winners – 4 clubs
– 2021: SE Palmeiras (BRA)
– 2022: CR Flamengo (BRA)
– 2023: Fluminense FC (BRA)
