In case there wasn’t already enough football, FIFA’s newly expanded and reformatted Club World Cup in 2025 promises to bring even more action to our screens.

The competition, set to take place in the United States, will see the top clubs from all six continental federations battle it out in a World Cup-style format every four years.

Chelsea are among the teams travelling to North America in pursuit of silverware in this revamped tournament, which marks a significant departure from the Club World Cups we have seen in recent years.

But why are Chelsea, who finished sixth in the Premier League last season and failed to win any silverware, participating in the 2025 Club World Cup?

Why Are Chelsea Involved?

Despite their disappointing recent seasons, Chelsea have qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup. The explanation is straightforward: the winners of the past four UEFA Champions League tournaments automatically qualify for this inaugural competition.

Chelsea’s triumph in the 2020/21 Champions League has earned them a place in the tournament. They will be joined by fellow European Champions League winners Manchester City (2022) and Real Madrid (2024).

Reports suggest that participating clubs will earn €50 million for qualifying, while the eventual winner could take home up to €100 million. While Chelsea are not short of funds, this additional financial boost will undoubtedly be welcomed as they plan for next summer.

Changes to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The 2025 Club World Cup has undergone dramatic changes, making it almost unrecognisable compared to its previous format. Instead of featuring just seven teams, the new tournament will include 32 clubs from across the world.

The teams will be divided into four groups of eight and will compete in a league format before progressing to the knockout stages. All six continental federations will have at least one representative.

Unlike past editions, which took place at the end of the calendar year, the 2025 tournament is scheduled to run from 15 June to 13 July 2025.

Previously, the Club World Cup was held annually and contested by the Champions League winners from each confederation. The new version will now be held every four years.

However, the older format has not been entirely scrapped. It has been rebranded as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, with its first edition scheduled for late 2024. This competition will feature the six continental Champions League winners.

Which Other Teams Have Qualified?

All 32 teams for the 2025 Club World Cup have now been confirmed. The final spot was secured by Brazilian side Botafogo, who won the Copa Libertadores for the first time in their 123-year history. Botafogo will be one of six CONMEBOL representatives alongside the 12 clubs from UEFA.

Auckland City is the sole representative from the OFC, while the AFC and CAF each have four participants. CONCACAF, meanwhile, has five spots, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami earning qualification as both the host nation’s representative and the winners of the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.

Complete List of Qualified Teams for the 2025 Club World Cup

Club Confederation Nation

Al Hilal AFC Saudi Arabia

Urawa Red Diamonds AFC Japan

Al Ain AFC United Arab Emirates

Ulsan Hyundai AFC South Korea

Al Ahly CAF Egypt

Wydad AC CAF Morocco

ES Tunis CAF Tunisia

Mamelodi Sundowns CAF South Africa

Monterrey CONCACAF Mexico

Seattle Sounders CONCACAF United States

Leon CONCACAF Mexico

Pachuca CONCACAF Mexico

Inter Miami CONCACAF United States

Palmeiras CONMEBOL Brazil

Flamengo CONMEBOL Brazil

Fluminense CONMEBOL Brazil

Botafogo CONMEBOL Brazil

River Plate CONMEBOL Argentina

Boca Juniors CONMEBOL Argentina

Auckland City OFC New Zealand

Chelsea UEFA England

Manchester City UEFA England

Real Madrid UEFA Spain

Bayern Munich UEFA Germany

Paris Saint-Germain UEFA France

Inter Milan UEFA Italy

Porto UEFA Portugal

Benfica UEFA Portugal

Borussia Dortmund UEFA Germany

Juventus UEFA Italy

Atletico Madrid UEFA Spain

RB Salzburg UEFA Austria

The stage is set for a spectacular tournament in 2025, with football fans around the globe eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness the world’s best clubs competing for ultimate glory.