Club World Cup to Expand from 32 to 48 Teams

The FIFA Club World Cup — which most recently featured a 32‑team format — is now expected to be expanded to a 48‑team tournament in future editions, most likely starting with the 2029 competition rather than immediately following the 2025 event.

This proposed expansion reflects broader changes in global club football and a strategic move by FIFA to accommodate the commercial and competitive interests of elite clubs that were left out of the most recent iteration — including traditional giants such as Barcelona and Manchester United, who failed to qualify despite their global profiles.

Their absence, driven by the strict qualification criteria that prioritized continental champions and ranking slots, has intensified pressure from top European sides and stakeholders for a larger format that guarantees more spots for major clubs at the world’s premier club tournament.

This shift isn’t just about adding more teams — it’s part of a broader recalibration of the global calendar and competitive structure. FIFA has been consulting with continental bodies and leagues to refine how clubs qualify under the new model, and the 48‑team proposal seeks to expand access while addressing criticism that the current system sometimes excludes historic clubs with massive fanbases.

If approved, the expanded competition could feature a more inclusive allocation of slots per confederation and possibly higher limits on clubs per country — changes that would lessen the likelihood of elite teams missing out purely due to ranking or quota caps.

In short, the move from 32 to 48 teams is driven by a combination of commercial incentives, competitive fairness debates, and persistent lobbying from Europe’s biggest clubs who want guaranteed participation on the global stage.