FIFA planned a competition of championship standard and international recognition when it proposed a 32-team Club World Cup in 2025. Therefore, it was clear that with all qualifications set for this one-time only tournament in 2025 in the USA, the international blend of clubs from everywhere solidifies how they qualified for this historic tournament.

How 2025 Club World Cup Qualification Worked

There were two ways to qualify:

• Champion’s Path: All champions of their continental championship between 2021-2024 (aside from the UEFA Super Cup) automatically qualified.
• Ranking Path: Clubs received points based on continued performance in continental tournaments, which qualified via its confederation coefficient rankings.

The final count was 12 from UEFA, 6 from CONMEBOL, 4 from AFC, 4 from CAF, 1 from OFC, and 1 from the nation that was the host.

Asia (AFC) – 4 Clubs Qualified

• Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

Champion of the 2021 AFC Champions League. A club that has made a name for itself internationally comes to world club competitions regularly, with this edition being their fourth since 2019.

• Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

AFC Champions League winners. This is their third title. They had not done so well in their domestic league, but their international exploits raised them up high enough for global renown.

• Al Ain (UAE)

Winner of the 2024 AFC Champions League Elite. This is a sign that the UAE club scene is increasing.

• Ulsan HD (South Korea)

No title, but consistent high-level performances had them ranked top of the AFC rankings and secure qualification.

Africa (CAF) – 4 Clubs Qualified

• Al Ahly (Egypt)

Most decorated club in African history. Winners of the CAF Champions League in 2021, 2023, and 2024. Al Ahly is participating in the Club World Cup for the tenth time.

• Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

The team won the title in 2022 in Casablanca against Al Ahly, sparking a citywide championship celebration.

• Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)

Qualified via standings and points accrued throughout this period without winning the championship.

• Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Quarterfinals and Semifinals run granted enough points on the CAF coefficient standings to qualify.

North America (CONCACAF) – 4 Clubs Qualified

• Monterrey (Mexico)

Winners in 2021, Monterrey edged out Club América to add another chapter to their legacy.

• Seattle Sounders (USA)

Made history in 2022 by becoming the first U.S. club to win the Champions League in over 20 years.

• Pachuca (Mexico)

2024 title winner vs. Columbus Crew 3-0 with Salomón Rondón scoring two goals.

• Los Angeles FC (USA)

Qualified through a playoff after Club León were disqualified due to ownership issues. LAFC defeated Club América in May 2025.

South America (CONMEBOL) – 6 Clubs Qualified

• Palmeiras (Brazil)

Champions of 2021 Copa Libertadores with a tactical, unbeaten performance vs. Flamengo.

• Flamengo (Brazil)

Clinched the 2022 Libertadores title with a narrow win over Athletico Paranaense.

• Fluminense (Brazil)

Earned a dramatic 2023 win against Boca Juniors in extra time.

• Botafogo (Brazil)

Won the Libertadores for the first time in 2024 despite finishing with 10 men.

• River Plate (Argentina)

Rankings secured their qualification due to consistent knockout-stage appearances.

• Boca Juniors (Argentina)

Runners-up in 2023, and their high coefficient score guaranteed a place.

Oceania (OFC) – 1 Club Qualified

Auckland City FC (New Zealand)

With 11 OFC Champions League titles in 14 years, their dominance in Oceania remains undisputed.

Europe (UEFA) – 12 Clubs Qualified

Automatic Champions League Winners

• Chelsea (England) – 2021
• Real Madrid (Spain) – 2022 and 2024
• Manchester City (England) – 2023

Ranking-Based Qualifiers

• Bayern Munich (Germany) – Regular quarter-finalist
• Paris Saint-Germain (France) – Knockout stage mainstay
• Borussia Dortmund (Germany) – Finalists in 2024
• Inter (Italy) – Finalists in 2023
• Porto (Portugal) – Solid performer across four seasons
• Atlético Madrid (Spain) – Multiple deep runs
• Benfica (Portugal) – Steady performer
• Juventus (Italy) – Round of 16 appearances
• Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) – Consistent continental presence

Host Nation Representative – 1 Club

• Inter Miami (USA)

FIFA awarded the spot based on their 2024 Supporters’ Shield win, despite not winning MLS Cup. With Lionel Messi leading the charge, Inter Miami will represent the host nation.

What It Means for Global Football

The 2025 Club World Cup isn’t simply another competition.  Clubs have the opportunity to compare themselves to new opponents and styles in this international exhibition. While debates continue around calendar congestion and tournament format, this much is clear: the road to qualification was fiercely competitive, and the final 32 have earned their place on the world stage.

Fans from Cairo to Seoul, Buenos Aires to Auckland, now have a reason to dream bigger.