The FIFA Club World Cup represents the pinnacle of global club football, established in 2000 by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
Until 2023, the tournament featured seven teams: the six continental champions and the league winner from the host nation.
In 2025, the competition will undergo a historic transformation, expanding to 32 teams and adopting a four-year cycle, similar to the FIFA World Cup.
The inaugural edition took place in Brazil, where Corinthians defeated Vasco da Gama in a penalty shootout to become the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup champions.
A second edition was scheduled to be held in Spain, but financial issues led to its cancellation, and the tournament did not return until 2004.
In 2005, the Intercontinental Cup was merged with the FIFA Club World Championship, and by 2006, the event was officially renamed the FIFA Club World Cup.
As the tournament enters a new era, it continues to showcase the very best of international club football. Below is the complete list of FIFA Club World Cup winners throughout its history.
If you are interested in knowing: Which Club Has Won the Most FIFA Club World Cup Titles? then click here.
All FIFA Club World Cup Winners by Year (2000–2025)
| Year | Winners |
|---|---|
| 2000 | Corinthians |
| 2001 | Tournament Cancelled |
| 2002–2004 | Not Held |
| 2005 | São Paulo |
| 2006 | Internacional |
| 2007 | Milan |
| 2008 | Manchester United |
| 2009 | Barcelona |
| 2010 | Inter Milan |
| 2011 | Barcelona |
| 2012 | Corinthians |
| 2013 | Bayern Munich |
| 2014 | Real Madrid |
| 2015 | Barcelona |
| 2016 | Real Madrid |
| 2017 | Real Madrid |
| 2018 | Real Madrid |
| 2019 | Liverpool |
| 2020 | Bayern Munich |
| 2021 | Chelsea |
| 2022 | Real Madrid |
| 2023 | Manchester City |
| 2025 | Chelsea |
Who has won the most FIFA Club World Cups?
Real Madrid holds the record for the most FIFA Club World Cup titles, with 5 championships (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2023). They are followed by Barcelona with 3 titles.
Which continents dominate the tournament?
Europe (UEFA) has overwhelmingly dominated the competition in recent years. European clubs have won the majority of the titles, especially since 2007.
South America (CONMEBOL) was more competitive in the early years, with teams like Corinthians, São Paulo, and Internacional winning. However, in recent editions, the gap between UEFA and other confederations has widened.
What is the format of the FIFA Club World Cup?
Until 2023, the Club World Cup featured 7 teams: the 6 continental champions and the host nation’s league winner. The format included knockout rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final.
Starting from 2025, the tournament will expand to 32 teams, similar to the FIFA World Cup, and will be held every four years instead of annually. The new format aims to make the competition more competitive and prestigious.
How much prize money do clubs earn in the Club World Cup?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features a record-breaking prize pool of $1 billion, making it the richest club tournament in football history.
All 32 participating clubs are guaranteed a minimum of $2.5 million, even if they exit in the group stage.
Top European clubs can receive up to $38.2 million just for participating. In addition, there are performance bonuses of up to $87 million for clubs that win every match.
That means a top-performing club could earn over $125 million in total, combining participation fees and performance rewards.
Performance incentives include a $2 million bonus for each group-stage win, along with higher payouts for reaching the knockout rounds and winning the final.
Is FIFA planning to expand the Club World Cup again in the future?
Yes, according to recent reports, FIFA plans to expand the Club World Cup from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2029.
This potential expansion comes after strong lobbying from major clubs such as Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, AC Milan, and others who failed to qualify for the inaugural 32-team edition in 2025.
When and where will the next FIFA Club World Cup be held?
As for the following edition in 2029, Brazil has officially expressed interest in hosting the tournament.
According to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), its president Ednaldo Rodrigues (or Samir Xaud, based on latest reports) met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the possibility.
While FIFA has not yet confirmed the 2029 host, Brazil is now a leading candidate and could bring the Club World Cup back to South America for the first time in decades.
