2029 Club World Cup: Fifa unveils first qualified teams and continental rankings

As the 2025 Club World Cup continues to crown its champion in the United States, Fifa is already preparing for the next edition, slated for 2029, with four teams confirmed and continental rankings underway. Paris Saint-Germain, Al-Ahli, Cruz Azul, and Pyramids secured their spots by winning continental competitions in 2024/25, representing Europe, Asia, North/Central America/Caribbean, and Africa, respectively. The race began in early 2025, with criteria based on performance in continental tournaments, and Fifa may still expand the number of participants. The tournament, set to feature 32 teams, promises to be a milestone in global football, with venues and dates yet to be confirmed.

The buildup to the 2029 Club World Cup is already sparking interest among fans and clubs worldwide. Fifa, overseeing the event, maintains classification criteria similar to those of 2025, prioritizing continental champions and top-ranked teams in their confederations. The tournament, held every four years, aims for competitive balance among the six confederations: Uefa, Conmebol, AFC, CAF, Concacaf, and OFC, plus a reserved spot for the host nation.

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The first qualified teams are already known, but the race for spots is just starting. Below are key points highlighting the current scenario:

• Paris Saint-Germain clinched the 2024/25 Uefa Champions League, securing Europe’s first spot.
• Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia won the AFC Champions League, topping the Asian rankings.
• Cruz Azul from Mexico earned their place by winning the ConcaChampions.
• Pyramids from Egypt shocked many by taking the African Champions League.

The focus now shifts to defining the remaining participants, based on rankings and upcoming continental tournaments.

🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Brazil, Qatar, Morocco, and Spain are interested in hosting the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, reports The Guardian.

If it is hosted in Qatar, the tournament would take place in the winter. pic.twitter.com/5vrSAaDmDu

— 433 (@433) June 29, 2025

First qualified teams and their journeys

Paris Saint-Germain, led by stars like Kylian Mbappé, secured their spot with a strong campaign in the 2024/25 Uefa Champions League. The victory marked the club’s first title in the post-Messi era, reinforcing their global ambitions. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli stunned Asian rivals with a dominant performance, backed by heavy investments in top players.

In North America, Cruz Azul reclaimed prominence by winning the ConcaChampions, outpacing traditional powerhouses like Monterrey and América. The Mexican club relies on an experienced squad to represent Concacaf in 2029. In Africa, Egypt’s Pyramids made history by winning the Champions League, upsetting giants like Al Ahly and Wydad, reflecting the rise of Egyptian football on the continental stage.

Classification criteria in focus

Fifa maintains classification criteria based on performance in continental competitions from 2025 to 2028, with specific scoring for each confederation. In Conmebol, for instance, clubs earn three points per win, one per draw, and three per advancement in each Libertadores phase, starting from the group stage. Matches in the Sudamericana or national championships don’t count, limiting opportunities for teams outside the main South American competition.

In Uefa, the system is more complex, using coefficients based on Champions League results. Europe gets 12 spots, with four for the champions from 2025 to 2028 and eight for the top-ranked teams. AFC, CAF, and Concacaf, with four spots each, prioritize their competition winners, while the OFC allocates its single spot to the top-ranked team among Oceania’s Champions League winners.

Continental rankings: who’s leading?

The continental rankings, updated in early 2025, reveal a competitive landscape. In Conmebol, Palmeiras leads with 24 points, followed by São Paulo (20) and Racing (19). Botafogo, River Plate, and Flamengo are tied at 18 points, setting up a fierce battle for the two ranking-based spots. Teams like Internacional and LDU remain in contention but need consistent Libertadores performances.

In Uefa, Inter Milan tops the list with 51 points, followed by PSG (46, already qualified) and Arsenal (44). Clubs like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona are favorites, but surprises like Aston Villa (34) highlight the strength of emerging teams. In the AFC, Al-Hilal (43) and Kawasaki Frontale (39) vie for top spots, while in Concacaf, Vancouver Whitecaps (28) and Inter Miami (27) trail Cruz Azul.

In Oceania, Auckland City dominates with 22 points, making them the prime candidate for the OFC spot. The rankings reflect a mix of tradition and new contenders, with clubs of varying profiles chasing a tournament berth.

Tournament format and expectations

The 2029 Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, split into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the round of 16. The competition, using single-elimination matches from the knockout stage, will not include a third-place playoff, focusing solely on the final. Fifa has yet to announce the host, but countries like China or Qatar are speculated as potential candidates, given their interest in expanding football in Asian markets.

The prize money, a major draw, is expected to follow the 2025 model, which allocated 2.65 billion euros, with 100 million euros for the champion and 50 million euros guaranteed for all participants. For 2029, an increase is anticipated, enhancing the tournament’s financial appeal.

Challenges for South American clubs

In South America, competition is intense. Palmeiras, with a consistent Libertadores campaign, leads the rankings, but São Paulo and Botafogo have shown strength in 2025 with reinforced squads and solid strategies. Flamengo, despite matching points, faces pressure after early exits in recent editions.

Argentina’s River Plate and Boca Juniors are also in the race but must overcome Brazilian dominance in the Libertadores. Ecuador’s LDU and Uruguay’s Peñarol are dark horses, banking on surprising campaigns to earn points. With only two ranking-based spots, qualification is a strategic challenge for Conmebol clubs.

European standouts in the race

In Europe, Inter Milan is a favorite, with a solid squad and targeted signings. Arsenal and Barcelona, tied at 44 points, aim to reclaim continental prominence, while Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund lean on their international pedigree.

Teams like Aston Villa and PSV, which surprised in 2025, show the European rankings could see upsets. With 12 spots, Uefa ensures a balance of giants and emerging clubs, but the fight for the eight ranking-based spots will be fierce until 2028.

Names to watch in Asia and Concacaf

In Asia, Al-Hilal, led by players like Neymar, is a strong contender for a spot, while Kawasaki Frontale and Al-Nassr keep the competition tight. In Concacaf, Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, stands out, boosted by their MLS and ConcaChampions performances. Vancouver Whitecaps and Tigres are also well-positioned but need consistency to secure their spots.

What to expect by 2029

Fifa is expected to finalize the 2029 Club World Cup criteria in the coming months, including potential expansions in participant numbers. The organization also plans calendar adjustments to avoid conflicts with national and international competitions. The host selection will be pivotal, with logistical and commercial implications for clubs and fans.

Rankings will continue to be updated annually based on continental competition results. Clubs not competing in the Libertadores, Champions League, or other major tournaments will face slim chances, underscoring the importance of consistent campaigns. The race for spots promises to be as thrilling as the tournament itself, with new developments each season.

Competition trivia

The 2029 Club World Cup is already generating buzz for unique aspects:

• Fifa is considering hosts on different continents from 2025, such as Asia or the Middle East.
• The trophy, designed by Tiffany & Co., will retain its 24-karat gold-plated design.
• OFC clubs like Auckland City aim to surprise despite their single-spot limitation.
• Prize money could exceed 3 billion euros, attracting even more clubs.

The race for the 2029 Club World Cup is just beginning, but early steps already point to a promising tournament, balancing tradition with emerging forces in global football.