Earlier this July, Chelsea secured a commanding 4–0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain to claim the 2025 Club World Cup crown. ..Continue Reading
Despite the tournament being held annually since 2005, FIFA has now declared Chelsea the inaugural official world champions under the revamped format.
According to Daily Mail reports, past winners such as United, Liverpool, and City will now carry the title of FIFA Intercontinental Champions, rather than world champions.
This designation differs from the newly launched FIFA Intercontinental Cup, a separate competition featuring six continental champions in a condensed tournament format.
Chelsea’s triumph doesn’t guarantee them a spot in the 2029 edition, as defending champions no longer receive automatic entry.
Liverpool, United, and City will need to qualify over the next three seasons to reclaim their status as global champions.
Liverpool previously won the tournament in 2019, City were the final champions under the old system in 2023, and United lifted the trophy back in 2008—all following Champions League victories in those respective years.
Seven other clubs have also lost their recognition as world champions under the new rules.
Real Madrid, who won the Club World Cup five times, must now earn the title again through the updated format, though they currently hold the Intercontinental Cup.
Barcelona, with three titles, along with Bayern Munich and Corinthians (two each), are also affected.
Additionally, Sao Paulo (2005), Internacional (2006), AC Milan (2007), and Inter Milan (2010) are no longer officially considered world champions.
Confirmed participants for the 2029 Club World Cup include PSG, Pyramids, Al Hilal, and Cruz Azul, while other clubs can still qualify by winning continental competitions or meeting FIFA’s ranking criteria.
