Club World Cup qualification 2029 is already in motion, with four clubs having officially secured places in what promises to be a landmark edition of the expanded 32-team global event. While FIFA has not yet confirmed the host nation or tournament dates, the road to the next FIFA club tournament is mapped out, and qualification competition is heating up.
European Clubs: Path to Qualification
A total of 12 clubs from Europe will be among the Club World Cup teams in 2029, making it the continent with the most significant representation. Paris Saint-Germain has already qualified, and the winners of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League in the 2025–26, 2026–27, and 2027–28 seasons will join them.
Additionally, eight more European clubs will earn a place based on UEFA rankings. These will be the top-performing clubs across those four seasons that reach the advanced stages of the Champions League without winning it. The system rewards clubs for consistent high performance through ranking-based entry.
However, there are restrictions: a maximum of two clubs per country can qualify. If two English clubs win the Champions League, England cannot add more clubs through ranking. An exception applies if three separate Champions League winners from the same country emerge — in such a case, all three may qualify.
The 2028–29 Champions League winner won’t qualify for the next Club World Cup unless already qualified. They must qualify through an earlier season or rankings. That team will instead be eligible for the 2033 FIFA Club World Cup.
South America and Other Confederations
South America will contribute six clubs to the Club World Cup teams in 2029. These include the Copa Libertadores winners from 2025 to 2028 and two additional top-ranked teams that didn’t win the tournament. Similar to Europe, if a club wins the Copa Libertadores more than once, the next highest-ranked side will take the vacant slot.
Africa (CAF), Asia (AFC), and CONCACAF will each send four clubs to the next FIFA club tournament. One team from each region is already confirmed. The remaining three spots per confederation will go to the winners of their continental championships in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Oceania (OFC) will have one spot in the tournament.The new OFC Professional League (OPL), starting January 2026, will decide it based on club performance. The league, featuring eight clubs, will serve as the region’s qualification platform for the Club World Cup qualification in 2029.
Host Nation Spot and Final Allocation
The host nation will award the final Club World Cup 2029 spot to one of its clubs. FIFA may allocate this position based on specific domestic criteria or potentially via direct invitation.
Excitement is growing for the next Club World Cup. Fans and clubs are closely watching qualification unfold across continents. The next FIFA club tournament will have a bigger format and higher stakes. It’s set to be the most inclusive and competitive edition yet.
