Explore the complete list of 32 qualified teams for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. Get insights on top clubs, qualification criteria, and why this tournament is a must-watch for football fans.
Introduction to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to redefine global club football with its expanded 32-team format, hosted in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. This revamped tournament, featuring top clubs from six FIFA confederations, promises thrilling matches, star-studded lineups, and a $1 billion prize pool.
From European giants like Real Madrid to South American powerhouses like Flamengo, the qualified teams represent the pinnacle of club football. In this article, we dive into the full list of 2025 FIFA Club World Cup qualified teams, how they earned their spots, and what makes this event a landmark in football history.
Why the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Matters
Unlike its previous seven-team format, the 2025 edition is a month-long spectacle, mirroring the FIFA World Cup’s structure with eight groups of four teams, followed by knockout stages. Held across 12 iconic U.S. venues, including Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, this tournament aims to elevate club football’s global appeal.
With defending champions Manchester City and star players like Lionel Messi leading Inter Miami, the event is poised to captivate soccer fans worldwide. Let’s explore the qualified teams and their paths to this prestigious competition.
Full List of Qualified Teams for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
The 32 teams represent six confederations: UEFA (Europe), CONMEBOL (South America), AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North America), and OFC (Oceania), with an additional slot for the host nation. Below is the complete list of qualified teams, organized by confederation, based on their performances in continental championships from 2021 to 2024 or four-year confederation rankings.
UEFA (12 Teams)
Europe, with the most slots, features elite clubs qualified through UEFA Champions League victories or high rankings:
- Chelsea (2021 Champions League winners)
- Real Madrid (2022 Champions League winners, five-time Club World Cup champions)
- Manchester City (2023 Champions League winners, defending Club World Cup champions)
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) (Second-best ranked eligible team)
- Borussia Dortmund (Third-best ranked eligible team, 2024 finalists)
- Inter Milan (Fourth-best ranked eligible team, 2023 finalists)
- Porto (Fifth-best ranked eligible team)
- Benfica (High-ranked team)
- Bayern Munich (High-ranked team)
- Juventus (High-ranked team)
- Atletico Madrid (High-ranked team)
- FC Salzburg (Ninth-best ranked eligible team, known as Red Bull Salzburg but branded as FC Salzburg due to FIFA sponsorship rules)
CONMEBOL (6 Teams)
South America’s representatives, qualified via Copa Libertadores wins, showcase Brazil’s dominance:
- Palmeiras (2021 Copa Libertadores winners)
- Flamengo (2022 Copa Libertadores winners)
- Fluminense (2023 Copa Libertadores winners)
- Botafogo (2024 Copa Libertadores winners)
- Boca Juniors (2023 Copa Libertadores finalists, high-ranked team)
- River Plate (High-ranked team based on four-year performance)
AFC (4 Teams)
Asia’s teams qualified through AFC Champions League success or rankings:
- Al Hilal (2021 AFC Champions League winners, Saudi Pro League)
- Urawa Red Diamonds (2022 AFC Champions League winners, Japan)
- Al Ain (2024 AFC Champions League winners, UAE)
- Ulsan HD FC (High-ranked team, South Korea)
CAF (4 Teams)
Africa’s representatives, qualified via CAF Champions League wins or rankings:
- Al Ahly (2021 CAF Champions League winners, Egypt)
- Wydad Casablanca (2022 CAF Champions League winners, Morocco)
- Mamelodi Sundowns (High-ranked team, South Africa)
- Raja Casablanca (High-ranked team, Morocco)
CONCACAF (4 Teams)
North and Central America’s teams include:
- Monterrey (2021 CONCACAF Champions League winners, Mexico)
- Seattle Sounders (2022 CONCACAF Champions League winners, USA)
- Pachuca (2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, Mexico)
- Los Angeles FC (Qualified via playoff against Club América after Club León’s disqualification due to multi-club ownership rules)
OFC (1 Team)
Oceania’s sole representative, based on OFC Champions League performance:
Host Nation (1 Team)
How Teams Qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
FIFA’s qualification process for 2025 is based on performances in continental club competitions from 2021 to 2024, with additional slots awarded via four-year confederation rankings. For UEFA and CONMEBOL, the winners of the Champions League and Copa Libertadores, respectively, secured automatic spots, with remaining slots filled by top-ranked teams. AFC, CAF, and CONCACAF each allocated four slots based on their Champions League/Cup wins or rankings.
The OFC’s single slot went to Auckland City, the highest-ranked team, as they won all three OFC Champions League titles in the period. The host slot was awarded to Inter Miami, sparking controversy due to their MLS Supporters’ Shield win rather than the MLS Cup, a decision FIFA justified as reflecting a traditional league setting.
A notable case was Club León’s disqualification due to multi-club ownership violations, leading to a playoff where Los Angeles FC defeated Club América 2-1 on May 31, 2025, at BMO Stadium to claim the final spot. This ensured fair competition and compliance with FIFA’s regulations.
Tournament Format and Key Dates
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features eight groups of four teams in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the round of 16 (June 28–July 1, 2025). The knockout stages include quarter-finals (July 4–5), semi-finals (July 8–9), and the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium.
There is no third-place playoff, keeping the focus on the championship match. The tournament’s opening game pits Inter Miami against Al Ahly on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium, setting the stage for a global football spectacle.
Star Players to Watch
The 2025 Club World Cup is a showcase for football’s biggest stars:
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): The global icon’s presence elevates the tournament’s appeal.
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): Expected to lead the five-time champions.
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): A key goal-scoring threat.
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG): The reigning Champions League winners’ star forward.
- Jhon Arias (Fluminense): A standout for South America’s hopefuls.
These players, alongside tactical masterminds like Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) and Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid), will make the tournament a must-watch.
Why This Tournament Is a Game-Changer
The expanded format brings unprecedented diversity, with clubs from 20 nations competing. European teams like Real Madrid and PSG are favorites, but South American sides like Botafogo and Flamengo, bolstered by recent Copa Libertadores success, could challenge.
Al Hilal’s star-studded roster, including João Cancelo and Aleksandar Mitrović, adds intrigue from Asia. For U.S. fans, the tournament is a chance to witness global football’s elite, boosting soccer’s growth ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The $250 million in solidarity payments also supports global club development, fostering inclusivity.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of global club football. With 32 qualified teams, from Manchester City to Auckland City, and stars like Messi and Mbappé, this event promises unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to soccer, the action in the USA will keep you glued to your screen. Stay tuned for group stage highlights, knockout drama, and the crowning of a new champion on July 13, 2025. Want more football insights? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on FIFA, star players, and match analyses!
FAQ
1. What is the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is an expanded international club football tournament featuring 32 teams from six FIFA confederations, hosted in the USA from June 14 to July 13, 2025. It replaces the previous seven-team format with a World Cup-style structure, including group stages and knockouts.
2. How many teams qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
A total of 32 teams qualified, with 12 from UEFA, 6 from CONMEBOL, 4 each from AFC, CAF, and CONCACAF, 1 from OFC, and 1 from the host nation (Inter Miami).
3. How did teams qualify for the tournament?
Teams qualified based on their performance in continental club competitions (e.g., UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores) from 2021 to 2024 or through four-year confederation rankings. Inter Miami qualified as the host nation’s 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield winner, while Los Angeles FC secured their spot via a playoff after Club León’s disqualification.
4. Where will the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup be held?
The tournament will take place across 12 U.S. venues, including Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), MetLife Stadium (New Jersey), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), and Lumen Field (Seattle), among others.
5. Who are the favorites to win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
European clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and PSG are considered favorites due to their Champions League success and star players like Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane. South American teams like Flamengo and Botafogo are also strong contenders.
6. Can I watch the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup online?
Yes, all matches will be streamed for free on DAZN, with additional coverage by local broadcasters. Check FIFA.com for the latest streaming and broadcast details.
7. Why was Inter Miami chosen as the host team?
Inter Miami was selected as the host nation’s representative after winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, reflecting FIFA’s preference for a traditional league format over the MLS Cup. The decision sparked debate due to Lionel Messi’s presence on the team.
