The Club World Cup: what it is, its format and the teams taking part
August 21, 2026 · 7 min
The Club World Cup sets out to answer an age-old question: who is the best club in the world? For years it was a short tournament, but it has recently been completely overhauled. At Golazo Scores we explain what it is, how the new format works and which teams earn the right to be there.
What the Club World Cup is
The FIFA Club World Cup is the tournament that brings together the best clubs from each of the world's confederations: Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, North America and Oceania. The idea is to crown a world club champion recognised by FIFA.
For many years it was held every season with seven teams over just a few days. The Champions League and Libertadores winners usually arrived as the big favourites, and Europe dominated most editions.
The new 32-team format
In 2025 FIFA launched a far more ambitious format: 32 clubs, every four years, with a structure similar to that of the international World Cup. It is no longer a whistle-stop tournament, but a lengthy, large-scale competition.
There is a group stage followed by single-match knockout rounds all the way to the final. It is a huge change from the previous model and puts clubs on a global stage for several weeks.
Which teams qualify
Places are allocated by continent, with Europe and South America taking the largest share thanks to their footballing weight. Spots are earned mainly by winning the top continental competition (the Champions League, the Libertadores and their equivalents) in the preceding seasons.
A club performance ranking also counts, so winning once isn't enough: consistency in continental tournaments over the cycle matters. Each confederation has its own qualification rules.
Why this tournament matters
The Club World Cup brings footballing styles from all over the world face to face: European technique, South American grit, and the growth of Asian and African football. It is a unique opportunity to watch matchups that would otherwise never happen.
For clubs outside Europe, it is also a global showcase and a significant source of revenue. And for fans, it is the perfect excuse to discover teams from other parts of the world.
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