With the U.S. set to co-host the 2026 World Cup, maintaining a strong ranking is critical for a potential seeded position, which would offer an easier group stage draw.

As soccer fans turn their eyes toward the Club World Cup final between two European giants this Sunday at MetLife Stadium, another story has quietly unfolded in the background—one that points to the future of the tournament. While Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain prepare to battle for international glory, four clubs have already secured their place at the next edition of the competition, set for summer 2029.

Despite only a few weeks in charge, Xabi Alonso managed to lead Real Madrid to the Club World Cup semifinals. However, the Spanish giants were eliminated by the reigning Champions League winners, PSG, ending their campaign.

With 35 goals and 16 assists across 52 matches for PSG, Dembélé has had a sensational season. He was named UEFA’s Player of the Tournament in the Champions League and helped lead PSG to four major titles, including a 5-0 win over Inter in the final.

Inter Miami climbs to 5th place in the East with a 2–1 win over New England. Messi bags another brace and now has the team on a 5-game unbeaten streak.

Gonçalo Ramos sealed PSG's 4–0 win over Real Madrid with a late goal and a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, Diogo Jota.

Chelsea will face PSG in the title match, after beating Fluminense by the same score. Both European giants will battle to lift the trophy for the first time in this new expanded format.

Paris Saint-Germain shocked Real Madrid early in the semifinal, taking a 2–0 lead within the first 10 minutes.

Just as fans were getting ready for the match, the stadium announcer and video screens informed the crowd of the delay.

As Kylian Mbappe is facing his former club Paris Saint-Germain for the first time since his departure, many fans are puzzled by one lingering question: Why has the French superstar looked out of sorts at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

While fans anticipated a star-studded clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Real Madrid will be without one of its key players—a surprising absence that raises eyebrows just hours before kickoff.

In the midst of swirling narratives and lingering emotions, PSG manager Luis Enrique delivered a calm, cryptic four-word message when asked about the reunion.

After recovering from an acute bout of gastroenteritis that kept him out of Real Madrid’s starting lineup throughout the Club World Cup, Kylian Mbappé is expected to start against his former team, Paris Saint-Germain. He would likely replace academy forward Gonzalo García, who impressed in earlier matches.

And in classic fashion, Kylian Mbappe decided to send his message—not in an interview or a press conference, but on Instagram.

Despite having played fewer matches (17), Inter Miami continues to climb the standings and looks to solidify its spot in the top tier with another strong performance on the road.