Frank Christian
FIFA is set to introduce a revamped Club World Cup in 2025.
This new competition will replace the smaller annual event, featuring 32 clubs battling for the title over June and July of next year.
The first edition of this tournament will be hosted in the United States, with the group stage draw scheduled for December 5 in Miami. Teams will discover their first round opponents during this event, including Chelsea, who will be drawn from Pot 2 and may face giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, or Paris Saint-Germain.
But you might wonder how Chelsea secured their spot in this tournament given they haven’t claimed the English or European titles in recent times. The Sporting News clarifies their situation.
Chelsea’s Qualification for the Club World Cup 2025
Chelsea’s entry into the new Club World Cup comes from their triumph in the UEFA Champions League during the 2020/21 season.
The previous format of the FIFA tournament typically featured the latest champions from different confederations alongside a team from the host nation. For example, in 2023, Manchester City represented UEFA after winning the Champions League the prior season.
With the expansion of the tournament to 32 teams, FIFA has broadened the qualification criteria to include all winners of the six confederations’ top club competitions between 2021 and 2024. Chelsea secured their place by winning the Champions League in 2021, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the final.
Chelsea’s Previous Club World Cup Success
Chelsea previously won the Club World Cup in 2021, the same year they won the UEFA Champions League against Manchester City. This victory marks their only occasion lifting the FIFA club trophy.
They also reached the final of the tournament in 2012, but suffered a surprising defeat against Brazilian team Corinthians, losing 1-0.
#OnThisDay in 2012, @Corinthians
won against @ChelseaFC 1-0 to claim the #ClubWC title in Japan pic.twitter.com/N5EozC1ZJu— FIFA (@FIFAcom) December 16, 2015
Watching the 2025 Club World Cup Draw
The draw for the group stage of the 2025 Club World Cup will be live-streamed on FIFA.com and FIFA+.
