The expanded FIFA Club World Cup kicks off this weekend in the United States, featuring 32 teams from around the world in a tournament now planned to be held every four years.
European clubs make up the largest contingent, with 12 representatives, followed by South America with six. Asia, Africa, and the CONCACAF region covering North and Central America and the Caribbean each contribute four clubs, while Oceania has one, and the host nation is represented by two teams.
There are two routes to qualification: either by winning a continental championship between 2021 and 2024 or by ranking among the top-performing clubs in continental competitions over that four-year span.
Continental Champions
A total of 16 clubs earned their place by winning their respective continental tournaments. Europe's representatives include Chelsea 2021, Real Madrid 2022 and 2024, and Manchester City 2023, all UEFA Champions League winners. South America's places are held by Palmeiras 2021, Flamengo 2022, Fluminense 2023, and Botafogo 2024, winners of the Copa Libertadores.