Club World Cup Kicks Off This Saturday in the USA: A Major Test for the 2026 World Cup

The highly anticipated new FIFA Club World Cup is set to make its historic debut this Saturday, June 14th, in the United States. This expanded tournament, featuring an impressive 32 teams from across the globe and to be held every four years, marks a pivotal moment for international club football. More significantly, it serves as a crucial dry run for the much larger 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the USA will co-host with Mexico and Canada.

The decision to expand the Club World Cup, starting with this 2025 edition, reflects a bold new vision for global club competition, promising more intense rivalries and broader representation. With top clubs from every confederation converging in the USA, this tournament offers a compelling preview of the logistical capabilities and fan engagement that will be essential for the tri-nation World Cup in just over a year. The event will undoubtedly test infrastructure, transportation, and fan experience, providing invaluable lessons for the larger spectacle to come.

Africa is well-represented by powerhouses such as Al Ahly (Egypt - CAF Champions League winners 2020/21 and 2022/23), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco - CAF Champions League winner 2021/22), ES Tunis (Tunisia - CAF Champions League 2023/24 finalist), and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa - top-ranked non-champion from CAF 2021-2024). From Oceania, Auckland City (New Zealand) secures its spot as the OFC Champions League winner and the highest-ranked OFC team from 2021-2024. Rounding out the confirmed hosts is Inter Miami (USA), as the 2024 Supporters' Shield winner.

How Clubs Qualified for the New Club World Cup

The qualification pathway for the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup emphasizes recent continental success and confederation rankings:

• UEFA (Europe): 12 clubs. This includes the champions of the UEFA Champions League from 2020/21 to 2023/24. The remaining eight slots are allocated to clubs based on their confederation ranking.
• CONMEBOL (South America): Six clubs. The champions of the Copa Libertadores from 2021 to 2024 secure four spots, with two additional places awarded to clubs based on their confederation ranking.
• Concacaf (North, Central America, and Caribbean): Four clubs. These spots go to the winners of the Concachampions from 2021 to 2024.
• AFC (Asia): Four clubs. The champions of the AFC Champions League from 2021 to 2024 secure these berths.
• CAF (Africa): Four clubs. These spots are for the champions of the CAF Champions League from 2021 to 2024.
• OFC (Oceania): One club. Among the OFC Champions League winners from 2021 to 2024, the team with the best club ranking from the Confederation will qualify.

This new format promises an exhilarating showcase of global club football, setting the stage for an unforgettable tournament and providing a crucial test for the grander World Cup in 2026.