FIFA approved the participation of the two Portuguese teams at a meeting held on the sidelines of the 2023 Club World Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The confirmation was based on the UEFA ranking of the previous four years.

Six other European clubs will also be there; Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich have already confirmed their attendance.

Former Champions of the FIFA World Club Cup will take part, Chelsea (2020–21), Manchester City (2022–23) and Real Madrid (2022–22) will compete, giving Europe a total of 12 participants. The remaining winner will compete in 2023–24.

FIFA has also verified the participation of two of the five African representatives, Al Ahly and Wydad; two of the five Asian representatives, Al Hilal, and Urawa Red Diamonds; three of the four CONCACAF participants, Monterrey, Seattle Sounders, and Léon; and the Oceania squad, Auckland City.

Six teams will compete in South America; three Brazilian clubs, Palmeiras under Abel Ferreira, Flamengo, and Fluminense, have already been announced; a team from the host nation will round out the group of 32 teams.

Eight groups of four teams will compete in the competition's initial group stage. The top two teams from each grouping will advance to the knockout round (round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final) with a single game.

“2025 will be a significant milestone, giving the emblems of all confederations a suitable stage to shine at the highest level,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. “Clubs play a fundamental role in the world of football.”

With the goal of “making football truly global,” the head of the body in charge of international football declared that this new tournament "will be open and based on sporting merit.”

The FIFA Council also declared that a FIFA Intercontinental Cup will be held every year starting in 2024.

Author

A passionate Irish journalist with a love for cycling, politics and of course Portugal especially their sausage rolls.

Rory Mc Ginn