Qualification Guide
How Clubs Qualify for Club World Cup 2033
Understanding the qualification pathway for the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2033. Each confederation receives slots based on their footballing strength.
32
Total Teams
6
Confederations
12
UEFA Slots
2029-33
Qualifying Cycle
Qualification Information
Qualification details are based on the format established for the 2025 edition. FIFA may adjust slot allocations for 2033.
Slot Distribution by Confederation
UEFA
(Europe)Union of European Football Associations
12 slots
CONMEBOL
(South America)South American Football Confederation
6 slots
AFC
(Asia)Asian Football Confederation
4 slots
CAF
(Africa)Confederation of African Football
4 slots
CONCACAF
(North & Central America)Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football
4 slots
OFC
(Oceania)Oceania Football Confederation
1 slots
Host Nation
Automatic qualification for host country representative
1 slot
Qualification by Confederation
UEFA - Europe
Union of European Football Associations
UEFA receives the largest allocation reflecting European football's global dominance. The 12 slots include guaranteed spots for recent Champions League winners plus coefficient-based allocation for elite clubs.
Qualification Method:
Champions League winners from 2029-2033 cycle plus clubs with highest UEFA coefficient rankings. Winners of each Champions League edition qualify automatically, with remaining spots filled by coefficient.
Recent Continental Champions:
CONMEBOL - South America
South American Football Confederation
South America's six slots recognize the continent's rich club football heritage. Brazilian and Argentine clubs dominate, with Copa Libertadores winners earning automatic qualification.
Qualification Method:
Copa Libertadores winners from the qualifying cycle plus CONMEBOL coefficient-based rankings. Historical success in Club World Cup supports strong allocation.
Recent Continental Champions:
AFC - Asia
Asian Football Confederation
Asia's growing football investment is reflected in four slots. Clubs from Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, and UAE are primary contenders for qualification.
Qualification Method:
AFC Champions League winners earn automatic qualification. Remaining spots allocated by AFC club ranking considering continental and domestic success.
Recent Continental Champions:
CAF - Africa
Confederation of African Football
Africa's four slots showcase the continent's elite clubs. Egyptian clubs Al Ahly and Zamalek, along with Moroccan giants, frequently compete for qualification.
Qualification Method:
CAF Champions League winners qualify automatically. Additional spots filled by CAF club rankings, typically favoring North African powerhouses.
Recent Continental Champions:
CONCACAF - North & Central America
Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football
North American slots typically go to Mexican and American clubs. Liga MX's depth and MLS's growing investment make this region increasingly competitive.
Qualification Method:
CONCACAF Champions Cup winners qualify automatically. Liga MX and MLS clubs dominate the remaining allocation through regional rankings.
Recent Continental Champions:
OFC - Oceania
Oceania Football Confederation
Oceania receives one guaranteed slot through the OFC Champions League. Auckland City FC has been the most successful club in recent years.
Qualification Method:
OFC Champions League winner earns the single Oceania slot. New Zealand clubs typically dominate this competition.
Recent Continental Champions:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do clubs qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup 2033?
Clubs qualify through continental championship victories (Champions League, Copa Libertadores, etc.) and FIFA club coefficient rankings. Each confederation receives a set number of slots based on their footballing strength.
How many European clubs qualify for Club World Cup 2033?
UEFA receives 12 slots - the largest allocation. These go to Champions League winners from the qualifying cycle plus clubs with the highest UEFA coefficient rankings.
Can a club qualify for Club World Cup without winning Champions League?
Yes. While Champions League winners get automatic qualification, remaining slots are filled based on UEFA/FIFA club coefficient rankings, allowing consistently strong clubs to qualify.
How many teams from each continent qualify?
UEFA: 12, CONMEBOL: 6, AFC: 4, CAF: 4, CONCACAF: 4, OFC: 1, Host: 1. Total: 32 teams from 6 confederations.
When will the qualified teams be confirmed?
Teams qualify throughout the 2029-2033 cycle based on continental championship results and coefficient rankings. Final participants will be confirmed by early 2033.