FIFA defines criteria and distribution
In February 2023, FIFA confirmed how the 32 places for the 2025 Club World Cup will be allocated, based on technical criteria and sporting performance. UEFA took the largest share, with 12 places, followed by CONMEBOL, with 6. The confederations of Asia (AFC), Africa (CAF) and North/Central America (CONCACAF) will each receive 4 places, while Oceania (OFC) and the host country, the USA, will each receive 1 place.
For UEFA and CONMEBOL, the champions of the last four editions of their main tournaments (Champions and Libertadores) are automatically qualified. The remaining places will be filled by a club ranking, which takes into account performance between 2021 and 2024. The ranking awards points for participation, wins, draws and stages reached. UEFA, for example, has a specific system with more weight for the knockout stages.
In the case of clubs that have won more than one edition, or countries with more than two qualifiers, the ranking will serve as a tiebreaker. The American spot was confirmed for the champion of the MLS Supporters’ Shield 2024, guaranteeing representation for the host country. FIFA does not consider the preliminary stages of continental tournaments.
Did you know??