How to qualify for the Mundial de Clubes
Whether your club hails from Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, North America, or Oceania or represents the host nation, clubs from all regions can qualify for the Club World Cup.
It hinges on the performance in the major club tournaments of each confederation over the past four seasons, such as the Champions League or Copa Libertadores. Points are awarded from the group stage onward based on a specific methodology set by FIFA:
- 3 points for a victory
- 1 point for a draw
- 3 points for advancing to each subsequent stage of the competition
For instance, let’s consider Fluminense, champions of the Copa Libertadores 2023. They secured their title by defeating Boca Juniors in the tournament’s final in South America. Fluminense won three matches during the group stage, drew once, and lost twice, accumulating 10 points.
In the knockout rounds, they achieved five victories and two draws, further adding to their tally. Additionally, they earned 12 points for progressing through the stages of the Copa Libertadores 2023. In total, Fluminense amassed 39 points for their performance in the tournament.
Qualifying for UEFA Clubs
Qualifying for the Club World Cup is slightly different for European teams because the group stages of this year’s UEFA Champions League are concluded, and three full CL campaigns are already being played and completed. UEFA has already implemented a club ranking coefficient system, and FIFA has specified a methodology to enhance competitiveness:
- 2 points for a win
- 1 point for a draw
- 4 points for reaching the group stage
- 5 points for advancing to the Round of 16
- 1 point for progressing through each subsequent stage of the competition
For example, consider Manchester City’s journey in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League, where they clinched the coveted prize under Pep Guardiola’s leadership.
Manchester City entered directly into the group stages, earning four points. They secured four victories and two draws, accumulating 10 points during the group-stage matches.
They received five more points after securing a spot in the Round of 16. As they progressed to the final, they gained three more points. In the knockout stages, they achieved four wins and three draws, adding 11 points to their tally.
In summary, Manchester City accrued 33 points for their triumph in Europe’s major club tournament.