FIFA introduced the world to an expanded Club World Cup featuring 32 teams in 2025. In 2029 it’s likely that the number of clubs participating in the tournament could grow to 48.
The 2025 edition, hosted by the United States, was a major success in the eyes of FIFA as the competition drew in nearly three billion viewers and had over two millions fans in attendance overall, despite numerous games with a low turnout.
One common criticism from fans was that not all the “best” teams were in a competition to crown a World Champion. Europe was the main example of this critique as massive clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United weren’t included.
But thank goodness Red Bull Salzburg was there.
According to The Guardian, UEFA and FIFA appear to be on track to expand the tournament in order to include more big clubs.
Club World Cup expansion
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: The Club World Cup is set to expand from 32 to 48 teams for the next edition. 🌍
The change reportedly comes amid pressure from major European clubs who missed out last time, including Barcelona and Manchester United. 👀
(Source: @guardian) pic.twitter.com/WXaI515GsO— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 19, 2026
UEFA’s opposition to the Club World Cup was over the tournament being held every two years, with fears that it could detract attention from the Champions League. FIFA has backed away from that idea with the Club World Cup set to be held every four years, much like the regular World Cup.
One important piece of the expansion will be determining how many clubs qualify for the tournament per region. Here was the breakdown of the 2025 edition.
Clubs per continent at the 2025 Club World Cup
12 — Europe
6 — South America
5 — North America
4 — Asia
4 — Africa
1 — Oceania
FIFA has a tough decision to make on where to allocate the 16 new spots for the 2029 Club World Cup.
