By Asuelimen Osasuyi
Although Chelsea defeated PSG 3-0 on Sunday to win the first FIFA Club World Cup, the London Club have not automatically qualified for the 2029 edition due to changes in the structure.
The Coach Enzo Maresca’s side shocked the world with a comprehensive win against Champions League winners PSG as Cole Palmer starred.
The Premier League side flew into a 3-0 lead in the first half thanks to a spectacular brace from Palmer and delicate chip from new signing Joao Pedro.
PSG rubbed salt into their own wounds in the second half with midfielder Joao Neves receiving a straight red card for a hair pull on Marc Cucurella.
While many fans have dismissed the importance of the Club World Cup, Chelsea’s victory has secured them a whopping $125 million in prize money.
However, bizarrely the London club are not rewarded with a place in the following tournament.
Meanwhile, four clubs have already secured their place for the next Club World Cup.
The revamped competition returns in the summer of 2029, with a host country yet to be named automatically qualified
They will be joined by PSG on the basis of their winning the 2024/25 Champions League.
Paris Saint-Germain have qualified for the 2029 Club World Cup after winning last season’s Champions League.
Mexican side Cruz Azul, who won the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, will also be at the next Club World Cup.
Besides, Pyramids and Al Ahli have claimed their spots at the 2029 Club World Cup.
The Egyptian team qualified after winning the 2024/25 CAF Champions League and the Saudi Pro League outfit qualified after winning the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite.
The 2029 Club World Cup, which will be made up of 32 teams, will consist of 12 UEFA slots, six CONMEBOL slots, four AFC slots, four CAF slots, four CONCACAF slots, one OFC slot and one slot representing the host nation.
However, there is no guaranteed spot for the actual winners of the Club World Cup meaning Chelsea must qualify as one of UEFA’s 12 clubs.
The 14 slots are filled with the four Champions League winners leading up to the tournament, meaning runners up PSG are already confirmed for 2029 despite defeat to Chelsea.
After the Champions League clubs have been added, the remaining spots will be filled through UEFA ranking where Chelsea currently sit 14th.
