As the final whistle blew on the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico – a tournament that saw Chelsea emerge victorious over PSG in the final at MetLife Stadium – attention is already beginning to shift towards the subsequent edition scheduled for 2029.
Format Evolution: 32 or 48 Teams?
The structural blueprint for the 2029 tournament currently anticipates a 32-team field, mirroring the format just witnessed. However, the landscape of international football is rarely static. Reports suggest notable pressure from prominent European clubs advocating for a further expansion, proposing a 48-team setup akin to the senior FIFA World Cup. The rationale appears straightforward: a larger tournament promises increased global interest and, crucially, higher potential revenue and prize money – factors that undeniably drive participation and enthusiasm among top clubs. FIFA has yet to issue official confirmation regarding any format alteration, leaving the final size of the 2029 field subject to future announcements.
The Exclusive List: Early Qualifiers for 2029
Based on the currently understood qualification criteria, which primarily involve winning confederation championships in designated cycles leading up to the event, a select group of four teams has already secured their place in the 2029 tournament. It is worth noting that despite their triumph in the 2025 edition, Chelsea`s automatic qualification for 2029 is not presently confirmed under these rules. The qualified clubs, earning their spots through continental success in the 2024-25 season or relevant cycles, are:
- PSG, France – Qualified as UEFA Champions League winners (2024-25 season).
- Pyramids FC, Egypt – Qualified as CAF Champions League winners (2024-25 season).
- Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia – Qualified as AFC Champions League Elite winners (2024-25 season).
- Cruz Azul, Mexico – Qualified as CONCACAF Champions Cup winners (2025 tournament).
This initial quartet provides the first glimpse into the lineup for the next global club football showpiece.
The Hosting Race: Where Will the Tournament Land?
The official host nation for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup remains undecided. However, a number of countries have publicly registered their interest, signaling a potentially competitive bidding process. Among those who have expressed a desire to stage the event are Australia and Brazil. Furthermore, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated the possibility of the United States hosting the tournament again. Notably, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal – countries that collectively hosted parts of the 2025 edition, viewed by some as a precursor to their joint 2030 World Cup bid – are also potential contenders. Qatar has also entered the frame as a potential host. The decision will undoubtedly weigh complex factors, including infrastructure readiness, geographical considerations, and the significant challenge of scheduling a large-scale tournament without unduly disrupting the established calendars of major domestic leagues, particularly in Europe, as was a notable consequence of the 2022 World Cup held in the winter months.
As plans for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup continue to develop, the football world awaits definitive announcements on the final format, the full list of participants, and the chosen destination for the tournament.
