Chelsea and PSG ended up as the two finalists of the inaugural 2025 FIFA Club World Cup — a tournament that not only met expectations but, for many, exceeded them. With dozens of memorable and curious moments throughout the competition, one big question is already being asked: Do the champions automatically earn a spot in the 2029 edition?
Extreme heat, unexpected blowouts, heavyweight clashes, and several surprises — just some of the highlights from this incredible tournament that captured the attention of fans and outsiders alike. Given the impact it had, many are already looking ahead with excitement to what might unfold four years from now.
For now, the only certainty is that both the Premier League and Ligue 1 had a representative in the final match — a game that will not only crown the first-ever champion of this tournament, but also award a significant financial prize to the winner.
Is the champion automatically qualified for the 2029 edition?
In the past, both at the national team level and in club competitions, winning a tournament often meant automatic qualification for the next edition — a privilege earned by rising above all other rivals.
Contrary to what happened in previous years, the champions in this case do not earn automatic qualification for the next edition of the FIFA Club World Cup — although they will have certain advantages over the rest.
What does this mean? While they don’t qualify directly, winning the tournament gives the champions a significant boost in the ranking system used to determine which clubs make it into the next edition.
“If teams want to be on course for the next FIFA Club World Cup in 2029, it’s all about coefficient rankings,” FIFA explained in a statement. “A win in the final will only boost their place and make it more likely to be part of the tournament next time around.”
How much will the champion receive?
The champion of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup could earn a record-breaking total of up to $125 million. This amount is broken down as follows: $40 million for winning the final, plus accumulated bonuses for advancing through each stage and for performance in the group stage, which can add up to an additional $85 million, depending on the team’s performance and confederation.