Chelsea, against all odds, have etched their name in global football history by winning the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, defeating PSG 3-0 in a one-sided final. The Blues entered the revamped tournament as underdogs, with many questioning whether they even deserved to be there.
Their qualification stemmed from their 2021 UEFA Champions League victory, which granted them a place in the expanded 32-team format. Under the tactical leadership of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea silenced doubters with a commanding campaign, culminating in a dominant performance in the final.
But the big question remains: does winning the Club World Cup mean Chelsea have automatically qualified for the next one?
We break it down here.
Have Chelsea qualified for the Next Club World Cup?
No, Chelsea have not yet qualified for the next Club World Cup.
Their place in the 2025 edition came as a result of their 2021 Champions League victory, which fell within that qualifying cycle (2021–2025). However, that no longer applies moving forward.
Importantly, winning the Club World Cup itself does not count toward qualification. FIFA’s rules do not offer an automatic return for reigning champions, unlike the UEFA Champions League or Europa League.
So despite being world champions, Chelsea are starting from scratch in the next cycle.
How can Chelsea qualify for the next Club World Cup?
Chelsea must now follow the same path as other European clubs by performing strongly in the Champions League between 2026 and 2029.
There are two ways to qualify:
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Win the UEFA Champions League in any of those seasons
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Accumulate enough UEFA ranking points across multiple campaigns to be among the top clubs in Europe
They’ll also need to outperform domestic rivals, due to the country cap. If two other English teams such as Manchester City, Arsenal, or Liverpool finish higher across the cycle, Chelsea could be left out, even with a strong record.
Consistency will be key. Quarterfinals and semifinals every year could be just as valuable as one finals run.
Which teams have qualified for the next Club World Cup?
Looking ahead to the next Club World Cup, which will take place in 2029, the qualification process is already underway and so far, only one team has booked its spot: Paris Saint-Germain, thanks to their 2025 Champions League triumph.
According to FIFA’s qualification rules, winners of the Champions League during each season of the four-year cycle automatically qualify. PSG’s victory in 2025 makes them the first confirmed European participant for the next edition.
For Chelsea, there are at least three more Champions League seasons (2025–2028) in which to secure qualification either by winning the tournament or consistently performing at a high level. However, competition is fierce. The likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich will all be fighting for the same limited slots, especially with the two-club-per-country cap in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Chelsea in the Club World Cup 2025?
Chelsea qualified for the Club World Cup 2025 by winning the UEFA Champions League in 2021. FIFA’s format allowed recent Champions League winners from the 2021–2024 period to enter the expanded tournament. That single triumph earned them a place in the 32-team lineup.
2. Is Chelsea qualified for the Club World Cup 2029?
No, Chelsea have not yet qualified for the Club World Cup 2029. Their 2021 Champions League win no longer counts toward the new qualifying cycle (2025–2028), and winning the 2025 Club World Cup does not guarantee automatic return. They must qualify again through Champions League performance.
3. How do clubs qualify for the Club World Cup?
Clubs qualify for the Club World Cup through performance in their confederation’s top competition for UEFA, that’s the Champions League. Qualification is based on either winning the tournament or earning the most points over a four-year cycle using FIFA’s official ranking system.
4. How many teams from Europe will play in the next Club World Cup?
UEFA has been given 12 slots for the next Club World Cup. These go to Champions League winners from 2025–2028 and the top-ranked clubs based on points earned over that period. However, only two clubs per country can qualify unless multiple clubs from the same country win the Champions League.
5. Can Chelsea still make it into the Club World Cup 2029?
Yes. Chelsea still have three Champions League seasons (2025–2028) to qualify for the Club World Cup 2029. They can secure a spot by either winning the Champions League again or ranking among Europe’s top clubs through consistent performances and point accumulation
