Four Clubs Secure Early Spots for 2029 FIFA Club World Cup Amid Expanded Format

Four football clubs have already booked their places at the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, despite the fact that the final match of the 2025 edition is still yet to be played. The tournament, which has undergone a major format change, will now occur every four years instead of annually, aligning with the scheduling model used for the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.

Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are set to clash in the 2025 final on Sunday, marking the first championship match under the newly expanded structure. Although the outcome of this year’s tournament is still pending, four teams from different confederations have already earned qualification for the 2029 edition based on their recent continental triumphs.

Paris Saint-Germain secured their slot in the upcoming 2029 competition after a commanding 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final. This win not only earned them the European title but also set a record as the most dominant scoreline in the history of a Champions League final.

Cruz Azul of Mexico joined the list of qualifiers by emerging victorious in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Likewise, Egypt’s Pyramids FC clinched their place after winning the CAF Champions League, and Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli earned their ticket by triumphing in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The 2029 FIFA Club World Cup is expected to feature 32 teams drawn from all six continental football confederations. Each continent will be represented, including at least one team from the yet-to-be-announced host nation. With these early qualifiers, anticipation is already building for a highly competitive global tournament.