The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, hosted in the United States, wrapped up in July after a thrilling and successful debut of the expanded format. While fans continue to reflect on the drama and excitement, FIFA is already laying the groundwork for the next edition. Surprisingly, despite their recent triumph, Chelsea are not among the clubs already qualified for the 2029 tournament.
Chelsea made history by capturing the 2025 Club World Cup title with a dominant 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, earning the crown of world champions for the next four years. However, even as the first winners of the revamped tournament, the Blues won’t automatically return in 2029.
Under FIFA’s current qualification system, winning the previous edition does not guarantee a spot in the next Club World Cup. That means Chelsea must either win one of the next three UEFA Champions League titles or accumulate enough coefficient points to qualify through the UEFA rankings.
The teams already qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2029
The first club to book a spot for 2029 was Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Ahli. The Pro League side made history by winning the 2024–25 AFC Champions League—their first ever continental title—after defeating Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in the final.
Unlike Chelsea, the other team in the 2025 Club World Cup final has already punched its ticket to the next tournament. After winning the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League, Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain secured their place and will seek redemption after falling short in this year’s final.
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Also qualified is Egyptian club Pyramids FC. The North African side emerged victorious in the 2024–25 CAF Champions League, edging Mamelodi Sundowns—who featured in this year’s Club World Cup—by a narrow 3-2 aggregate score over two legs.
From North America, Cruz Azul became the first CONCACAF representative to clinch a berth for 2029. The Liga MX side earned their spot in emphatic fashion, cruising past the Vancouver Whitecaps with a 5-0 win in the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
With a representative from nearly every continent already confirmed, the field for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup is starting to take shape. Though FIFA has yet to announce the host nation, the tournament is expected to follow the same expanded 32-team format that made its debut in the United States.
