The year 2025 marks a new milestone in international club football. FIFA will officially expand the FIFA Club World Cup to feature 32 teams from across the globe. With this new format, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will resemble the national team FIFA World Cup, signaling a new era of elite global club competition.
However, the spotlight is not just on the matches—the signup process for this tournament is also a key element. It combines competitive qualification systems, special invitations, and administrative as well as commercial vetting by FIFA. This article explores everything there is to know about the signup process for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: from the new format, qualification mechanisms, registration requirements, to opportunities and challenges faced by participating clubs.
Background and Evolution of the Tournament
From the Old Format to the New
Before 2025, the FIFA Club World Cup featured just seven teams—six continental champions and one host nation representative. Starting in 2025, FIFA confirmed the tournament’s expansion to 32 teams, to be held once every four years, similar to the national team World Cup.
The motivation behind this expansion is to increase the commercial appeal and globalization of club football. By including more clubs from different continents, FIFA aims to create a fair and spectacular competitive platform.
Host Country and Schedule
The tournament will take place in the United States, from June 15 to July 13, 2025. The U.S. was selected for its rapidly growing football infrastructure and as one of the hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This tournament serves as both a test run and a promotional opportunity ahead of the world’s biggest football event.
Qualification System and Club Selection
Slot Allocation by Confederation
FIFA has allocated slots for each continental confederation based on historical performance and competitive strength:
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UEFA (Europe): 12 clubs
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CONMEBOL (South America): 6 clubs
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AFC (Asia): 4 clubs
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CAF (Africa): 4 clubs
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CONCACAF (North & Central America): 4 clubs
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OFC (Oceania): 1 club
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Host Nation (USA): 1 additional club
Qualification Mechanisms
There are two main paths to qualification:
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Continental Club Champions
Clubs that win their respective continental championships (UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores, AFC Champions League, etc.) from 2021 to 2024 automatically qualify. -
Ranking and Coefficient System
Additional slots are filled based on club rankings using a coefficient system that evaluates performance in international tournaments over the past four years.
Confirmed Qualified Clubs
As of June 2025, some of the clubs that have secured their spots include:
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Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich (UEFA)
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Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense (CONMEBOL)
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Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds (AFC)
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Wydad Casablanca, Al Ahly (CAF)
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Seattle Sounders, Club León, Monterrey (CONCACAF)
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Plus one club from MLS as host nation (to be announced)
Official Signup Process
1. FIFA Invitation Confirmation
FIFA sends an official invitation to each qualified club, requiring a response within 30 days. Clubs must agree to tournament regulations, broadcasting rights, and commercial commitments.
2. Submission of Administrative Documents
Clubs must submit the following through FIFA’s official portal:
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FIFA International Club License
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Latest financial documents (audited reports, annual statements)
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Team registration form (maximum 23 players)
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Endorsement letter from national federation
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Contract confirmations for coaching and support staff
3. Legal and Ethics Compliance
FIFA conducts audits and ethics checks to ensure that clubs are not under disciplinary action by national federations or sports arbitration bodies.
4. Commercial and Media Registration
Clubs must also sign agreements with FIFA Marketing AG regarding the use of logos, sponsorship rights, and global media coverage.
5. Infrastructure and Logistics Planning
Although the tournament takes place in the U.S., clubs are required to assign a liaison officer and provide training camp plans, accommodation preferences, and logistics for the duration of the event.
Club Preparations for the Tournament
Squad Rotation and Domestic League Schedules
With the tournament scheduled during the European and Asian off-season or mid-season, clubs will need to adjust preseason or regular league fixtures. Managing player fitness and competitive load becomes a key challenge.
Sponsorship and Branding
Given the tournament’s global broadcast footprint, clubs often scale up their commercial engagements through jersey sponsorships, exclusive Club World Cup merchandise, and digital media campaigns.
Financial Incentives
According to FIFA, clubs will receive the following:
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Participation Fee: USD 2 million
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Group Stage Bonus: USD 1 million
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Champions Prize: Up to USD 15 million
This presents a lucrative opportunity, particularly for clubs from Africa, Asia, and North America.
Global Reception
Worldwide Enthusiasm
The expansion of the Club World Cup has been met with excitement from football fans outside Europe, as it allows their favorite clubs to face global giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Criticism from Certain Clubs and Leagues
However, some European clubs and domestic leagues have raised concerns about fixture congestion, player fatigue, and economic imbalance. Top clubs must balance their commitments across domestic leagues, the UEFA Champions League, and the Club World Cup.
Technology and Innovation in the Tournament
FIFA confirmed that the 2025 Club World Cup will implement:
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Full VAR (Video Assistant Referee)
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Semi-automated Offside Technology
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Real-Time Player Data Tracking
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AI Ball Tracking and Biophysical Sensors
These innovations align with FIFA’s vision to make this tournament a testing ground ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup represents more than just an expanded tournament—it is a revolution in the landscape of global club football. The comprehensive signup process reflects FIFA’s high standards in organizing a world-class international event.
For participating clubs, it’s a golden opportunity to shine on the global stage, win international recognition, and grow their fanbase and commercial influence. For fans, it’s a dream come true—watching the best clubs from six continents compete in a single prestigious tournament.
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