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.
The revamped FIFA Club World Cup—featuring a 32-team format modeled after the men’s World Cup—has quickly become a global phenomenon. Its inaugural edition, hosted in the United States, drew massive crowds and international attention. FIFA’s gamble on a grander, four-year cycle appears to be paying off, both commercially and competitively.
But even before the final whistle of this year’s edition has blown, the path to 2029 is already being carved out.
Who are the four already qualified clubs?
The next Club World Cup promises even more drama, and four clubs have already punched their tickets. While the final between Chelsea and PSG will decide the current champion, the next campaign is taking shape behind the scenes.
Paris Saint-Germain, courtesy of its triumph in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, is among the first to qualify. The Parisians’ European title secured them an automatic place in the 2029 tournament, marking their return as a club built around collective strength, not individual superstars.
Joining them is Cruz Azul, the storied Mexican side that lifted the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Liga MX outfit has a rich history in continental competition and will now aim to make a mark on the global stage.
From Africa, Pyramids FC has secured qualification thanks to their success in the 2024-25 CAF Champions League, a watershed moment for the ambitious Egyptian club. They’ll be accompanied by Al-Ahli, the Saudi Pro League powerhouse that clinched the AFC Champions League Elite title last season.
“These four teams represent four different confederations, showcasing the global reach of the tournament and the competitive evolution of club soccer,” noted FIFA’s official announcement.
What to expect in 2029
The 2029 Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, with slots divided across the world’s confederations:
- 12 UEFA slots (four UCL winners from 2024/25 to 2027/28, plus eight top-ranked UEFA clubs)
- 6 CONMEBOL slots
- 4 CAF slots
- 4 AFC slots
- 4 CONCACAF slots
- 1 OFC slot
- 1 Host nation slot
So far, only PSG, Cruz Azul, Pyramids, and Al-Ahli have guaranteed their participation. The remaining spots will be filled based on results in upcoming continental tournaments and rankings over the next few seasons.
Who will host?
The venue for the 2029 tournament remains a mystery. However, according to Carrusel Deportivo, “four countries are actively bidding to host the next edition: Qatar, Spain, Brazil, and Morocco.” Each offers a unique proposal, with Qatar reportedly lobbying for a return to winter soccer, similar to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
