FIFA Club World Cup: History, Format, and All-Time Winners List

The FIFA Club World Cup is a prestigious international football competition organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It was introduced as a global replacement for the Intercontinental Cup, which previously featured only the champions of Europe and South America. Announced in 1999, the Club World Cup aimed to provide equal opportunities for all continental champions to compete, promoting global fairness and representation in club football.

The first edition of the FIFA Club World Cup took place in 2000. However, the tournament was suspended between 2001 and 2004 due to financial issues involving FIFA’s marketing partner. Since 2005, the competition has been held annually in various host countries, including Brazil, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco.

In terms of success, Real Madrid leads all clubs with five titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022), making it the most successful team in the history of the competition. FC Barcelona follows with three titles, while Corinthians (Brazil) has two. Clubs like São Paulo, AC Milan, Manchester United, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Manchester City have all won the Club World Cup once. Spain tops the list of countries by total Club World Cup titles, with seven trophies.

New Format of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

On June 23, 2023, FIFA confirmed that the United States would host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, serving as a key test event ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This expanded edition will feature 32 of the world’s top football clubs.

Key Details of the 2025 Format:

• 32 participating clubs
• Divided into 8 groups of 4 teams
• Top 2 teams from each group advance to the knockout stage
• No third-place match will be held
• Format mirrors the FIFA World Cup used between 1998 and 2022

This new structure aims to enhance competitiveness and global fan engagement, making it the biggest and most inclusive edition of the tournament to date.

All-Time FIFA Club World Cup Winners (By Number of Titles)

🏆 Clubs That Have Won the FIFA Club World Cup

1. Real Madrid (Spain)

• Titles: 5
• Years: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022

1. FC Barcelona (Spain)

• Titles: 3
• Years: 2009, 2011, 2015
• Runner-up: 2006

1. Corinthians (Brazil)

• Titles: 2
• Years: 2000, 2012

1. Liverpool (England)

• Titles: 1
• Runner-up: 2005
• Year Won: 2019

1. São Paulo (Brazil) – 1 title (2005)
2. AC Milan (Italy) – 1 title (2007)
3. Manchester United (England) – 1 title (2008)
4. Inter Milan (Italy) – 1 title (2010)
5. Bayern Munich (Germany) – 1 title (2013)
6. Chelsea (England)

• Title: 1 (2021)
• Runner-up: 2012

1. Manchester City (England) – 1 title (2023)

Runner-Up Clubs in FIFA Club World Cup History

These clubs reached the final but did not win the trophy:

• Vasco da Gama (Brazil) – Runner-up in 2000
• Boca Juniors (Argentina) – 2007
• LDU Quito (Ecuador) – 2008
• Estudiantes (Argentina) – 2009
• TP Mazembe (DR Congo) – 2010
• Santos (Brazil) – 2011
• Raja Casablanca (Morocco) – 2013
• San Lorenzo (Argentina) – 2014
• River Plate (Argentina) – 2015
• Kashima Antlers (Japan) – 2016
• Grêmio (Brazil) – 2017
• Al Ain (UAE) – 2018