Why Chelsea Haven't Qualified for the Next Club World Cup Despite Winning Final

• Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain to win the new-format Club World Cup but did not automatically qualify for the 2029 edition
• Only UEFA Champions League winners and the top UEFA-ranked clubs qualify, with the Blues currently 14th in the rankings
• Despite earning $125 million and global recognition, Chelsea must improve their UEFA ranking or win the UCL to join the 2029 CWC

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Chelsea have not automatically qualified for 2029 FIFA Club World Cup despite a historic triumph in the restructured edition.

Enzo Maresca’s side recorded a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning UEFA Champions League holders, on July 13.

Cole Palmer put on a show in the final with a brace, while new signing Joao Pedro added a classy chip to complete a dominant first-half performance.

This was Chelsea’s second Club World Cup title, having first lifted the trophy in 2021, and they are also the first to win the revamped format tournament.

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Four years earlier, the Blues trumped Premier League rivals Manchester City, who were defending champions after beating Fluminense 4-0 in 2023.

Chelsea’s win on July 13 brought them $125 million in prize money and recognition, but also no automatic place in the next Club World Cup.

Chelsea not guaranteed Club World Cup spot

Under FIFA’s new Club World Cup format, 32 teams will qualify through a continental allocation system. UEFA, the European governing body, receives 12 of these slots.

They are divided as follows: four spots go to Champions League winners from the qualifying cycle, and the remaining eight are awarded based on UEFA club rankings.

Although the Blues won the 2025 edition of the Club World Cup, FIFA does not grant the tournament winner an automatic spot in the next edition, per Sport Bible.

PSG, as the most recent Champions League winners, are already locked in for 2029, despite their defeat in the final, with Chelsea only 14th in the UEFA club coefficients.

How can Chelsea qualify for next CWC

In order for Chelsea to secure their place at the 2029 Club World Cup and be able to defend their title in four years' time, one of two possible scenarios needs to play out.

The Blues must either win the Champions League or climb the UEFA rankings by at least two places, with Manchester United and Atletico Madrid now in their way.

With Chelsea back in the UCL, per the Premier League, they could move up the rankings if they reach the quarter-final, with their CWC fate resting on efforts in Europe.

PSG boss, Chelsea star clash in final

YEN.com.gh also previously reported on a tense post-match incident in the Club World Cup final involving PSG boss Luis Enrique, who appeared to strike Chelsea forward Joao Pedro during a heated altercation.

Footage captured the moment the Blues player fell to the ground after the clash, sparking condemnation. However, speaking after the incident, the Parisians manager stated that he had not intended to cause a scene.

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Source: YEN.com.gh