Who will emerge as the world’s best football club in 2025? The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent football history.
With more teams, more matches, and more global attention, fans are eager to know which clubs will compete for the prestigious. This post takes a closer look at the teams that have qualified and what makes this year’s competition special.
Overview of the Tournament Format
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will feature 32 teams for the first time. This is a big change from the previous format, which only had seven clubs. The tournament will follow a group-stage and knockout-round system, similar to the FIFA World Cup for national teams.
The 32 teams are divided across six continental football confederations:
- UEFA (Europe) – 12 teams
- CONMEBOL (South America) – 6 teams
- AFC (Asia) – 4 teams
- CAF (Africa) – 4 teams
- CONCACAF (North and Central America, Caribbean) – 4 teams
- OFC (Oceania) – 1 team
- Host nation (USA) – 1 team
The group stage will have eight groups with four teams each. The top two from each group will move on to the Round of 16. From there, it’s a straight knockout competition until the final. This new format gives more clubs from around the world a chance to compete at the highest level.
List of Participating Teams by Confederation
UEFA (Europe) – 12 Teams
| Team | League | Country | Qualification Note |
| Chelsea | Premier League | England | Won 2020–21 UEFA Champions League |
| Real Madrid | La Liga | Spain | Won 2021–22 and 2023–24 UEFA Champions League |
| Manchester City | Premier League | England | Won 2022–23 UEFA Champions League |
| Bayern Munich | Bundesliga | Germany | Qualified through UEFA’s 4-year ranking |
| Paris Saint‑Germain | Ligue 1 | France | Qualified through UEFA’s 4-year ranking |
| Inter Milan | Serie A | Italy | Qualified through UEFA’s 4-year ranking |
| Porto | Primeira Liga | Portugal | Qualified through UEFA’s 4-year ranking |
| Benfica | Primeira Liga | Portugal | Qualified through UEFA’s 4-year ranking |
| Borussia Dortmund | Bundesliga | Germany | Qualified through UEFA’s 4-year ranking |
| Juventus | Serie A | Italy | Qualified through UEFA’s 4-year ranking |
| Atlético Madrid | La Liga | Spain | Qualified through UEFA’s 4-year ranking |
| Red Bull Salzburg | Austrian Bundesliga | Austria | Qualified through UEFA’s 4-year ranking |
CONMEBOL (South America) – 6 Teams
| Team | League | Country | Qualification Note |
| Palmeiras | Campeonato Brasileiro | Brazil | Won 2021 Copa Libertadores |
| Flamengo | Campeonato Brasileiro | Brazil | Won 2022 Copa Libertadores |
| Fluminense | Campeonato Brasileiro | Brazil | Won 2023 Copa Libertadores |
| Botafogo | Campeonato Brasileiro | Brazil | Won 2024 Copa Libertadores |
| River Plate | Primera División | Argentina | Top non-champion via CONMEBOL ranking |
| Boca Juniors | Primera División | Argentina | Second-best non-champion in CONMEBOL ranking |
AFC (Asia) – 4 Teams
| Team | League | Country | Qualification Note |
| Al Hilal | Saudi Pro League | Saudi Arabia | Won 2021 AFC Champions League |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | J1 League | Japan | Won 2022 AFC Champions League |
| Al Ain | UAE Pro League | UAE | Won 2023–24 AFC Champions League |
| Ulsan Hyundai | K League 1 | South Korea | Best non-champion via AFC ranking |
CAF (Africa) – 4 Teams
| Team | League | Country | Qualification Note |
| Al Ahly | Egyptian Premier League | Egypt | Won 2020–21 CAF Champions League |
| Wydad AC | Botola | Morocco | Won 2021–22 CAF Champions League |
| Espérance de Tunis | Tunisian Ligue 1 | Tunisia | Top CAF-ranked non-champion |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | DStv Premiership | South Africa | Second-best CAF-ranked non-champion |
CONCACAF (North & Central America) – 4 Teams + Host
| Team | League | Country | Qualification Note |
| Monterrey | Liga MX | Mexico | Won 2021 CONCACAF Champions League |
| Seattle Sounders FC | MLS | USA | Won 2022 CONCACAF Champions League |
| Pachuca | Liga MX | Mexico | Won 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup |
| Los Angeles FC | MLS | USA | Won a special play-in match (May 2025) |
| Inter Miami (Host) | MLS | USA | Host nation slot (2024 Supporters’ Shield winners) |
OFC (Oceania) – 1 Team
| Team | League | Country | Qualification Note |
| Auckland City | NZ Football Championship | New Zealand | Top team in OFC Champions League rankings |
Notable Debuts and Returns
Several clubs will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time in 2025. Their qualification marks a major moment in their history.
First-Time Participants
- Inter Miami (USA) – This will be the club’s first-ever appearance, thanks to their host slot as the top American team.
- Botafogo (Brazil) – Their Copa Libertadores win secured them a debut at this level.
- Al Ain (UAE) – After winning the 2023–24 AFC Champions League, they join the Club World Cup for the first time under this expanded format.
- Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) – First appearance under the new 32-team setup.
- Los Angeles FC (USA) – Qualified through a special playoff and will make their debut.
Returning Clubs
- Real Madrid (Spain) – A familiar face, with several past titles, now back to fight for another.
- Chelsea (England) – Returning after their 2021 Champions League win.
- Manchester City (England) – Back again after winning Europe’s top prize in 2023.
- Bayern Munich (Germany) – Past winners returning under the new format.
- Al Ahly (Egypt) – Regular representatives from Africa with deep experience in the competition.
- Flamengo, Palmeiras, Fluminense (Brazil) – Recent Libertadores winners with past Club World Cup runs.
- Auckland City (New Zealand) – A constant in past editions from Oceania, returning again.
Conclusion
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup brings together 32 top clubs from six continents, showing just how wide the sport has grown. From champions in Europe and South America to emerging sides in Asia, Africa, and North America, this tournament offers a global stage for all.
Fans can look forward to exciting matchups like Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal, Manchester City vs. Flamengo, or even a possible home crowd clash with Inter Miami. With both fresh stories and long-standing rivalries, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be one to remember.
