FIFA Club World Cup officially expanded to 32 teams from 2025: Chelsea and Real Madrid confirmed

FIFA have revamped the format of the Club World Cup from 2025, with 32 teams now set to participate instead of the original 7. The tournament has usually been held in the middle of the season, but will be shifted to the summer months as part of the format change. 

As part of the new format, Chelsea and Real Madrid have already been given a spot based on their Champions League wins in 2021 and 2022 respectively. The winners of 2023 and 2024 will also be given a spot at the tournament. 

FIFA confirm Club World Cup format overhaul from 2025 

The original plans for FIFA were to have a 24-team competition in 2021. But, they had to be shelved due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in spite of the ambitious plans for the Club World Cup to be reworked, the top clubs in Europe have objected to these plans. 

One of the other reasons is the already hectic schedule that players have to deal with. The influx of more games during the supposed off-season will no doubt be met with more backlash. 

The announcement from FIFA comes on the same day that they have expanded the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams. The new format of the national team tournament will have 12 groups of four teams each, with 32 progressing to the knockout stage.