The inaugural FIFA Club World Cup recently concluded, with Chelsea triumphing over PSG in a 3-0 final held at MetLife Stadium. As the next FIFA World Cup in 2026, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico (with its final also planned for MetLife), draws closer, attention is now shifting to the initial details emerging about the next edition of the Club World Cup, set to take place in 2029.
Potential Format Changes and Expansion Discussions
While FIFA has not yet made official announcements regarding changes to the existing 32-team format for the summer 2029 tournament, reports indicate a significant push from several prominent European clubs. These clubs are reportedly urging FIFA`s leadership to expand the competition to a 48-team structure, mirroring the format of the FIFA World Cup. Such an expansion is anticipated to considerably boost global interest in the new competition and lead to a substantial increase in prize money, a key incentive for participating clubs.
Teams Already Qualified for 2029
Under the current 32-team tournament format, four clubs have already secured their berths for the 2029 Club World Cup. Although Chelsea will carry the badge of the 2025 champions for the subsequent four years, their direct qualification for the 2029 tournament is not yet confirmed. The confirmed participants so far include:
- PSG (France) – Winners of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League
- Pyramids FC (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
Prospective Host Nations for CWC 2029
The official host location for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup is yet to be announced, but several countries have expressed strong interest in bidding for the tournament. Both Australia and Brazil have indicated their desire to host. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also voiced openness to the United States hosting the event again. Furthermore, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, who are preparing to jointly host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, are also considered potential venues for the Club World Cup. Qatar has likewise expressed interest; however, concerns remain about its climate potentially necessitating a schedule shift for European leagues, similar to the impact of the 2022 World Cup which was held from November to December.
