The Club World Cup has been formally categorized by FIFA, the authority that oversees football worldwide, depriving previous winners of the title.
As a result, elite European teams such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester City are no longer the champions of the Club World Cup.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup winners, Chelsea, are the only team that may rightfully claim the title of FIFA Club World Cup winners and, consequently, world champions, according to the global football governing body.
All past champions will now be referred to as FIFA Intercontinental Champions, regardless of their background or level of domination in the competition.
The decision impacts historic teams like Real Madrid, the tournament’s five-time winner, Manchester United, the 2008 champions, and Barcelona, the three-time winner.
The new, extended tournament structure, which made its debut in 2025, is the reason for the change in recognition. Similar to the men’s FIFA World Cup, 32 clubs from six football confederations participated in a single-event competition for the first time.
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Chelsea took full advantage of the redesigned platform under new manager Enzo Maresca, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in a decisive final to win the championship. FIFA currently views the updated competition as the bona fide beginning of the official Club World Cup period.
After winning their respective continental titles, four clubs—PSG (France), Pyramids (Egypt), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), and Cruz Azul (Mexico)—have already secured their spots for the 2029 Club World Cup.
