The FIFA Club World Cup is an international club football competition organized by FIFA. It brings together the champion clubs from all six continental confederations (AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA), along with the national league champion from the host nation, to compete for the title of world champion.

The tournament’s history can be traced back to the Intercontinental Cup, played annually between the champions of the European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) and the South American Copa Libertadores from 1960 to 2004. The Club World Championship, which ran in 2000, was a similar but expanded competition, which didn’t continue until 2005 and was rebranded and renamed the FIFA Club World Cup.

The current format involves a knockout tournament spanning approximately two weeks. The representative from the host nation usually enters in the first round, facing the OFC Champions League winner. The winners of that match then face either the AFC, CAF, or CONCACAF Champions League winner (a draw determines these matchups). The UEFA Champions League winner and the Copa Libertadores winner enter directly into the semi-final stage. Matches are played to determine fifth place and third place, ensuring most teams participate in multiple games.

The competition is usually held in December, though this has varied, and is generally hosted by a nation with good infrastructure and a strong footballing tradition. The host nation also gains valuable exposure, and the tournament serves as a test event for larger FIFA competitions such as the World Cup itself.

The FIFA Club World Cup is considered a prestigious trophy, although often seen as secondary to the UEFA Champions League for European clubs. However, it presents an opportunity for clubs from other continents to compete on the world stage and potentially upset the established European dominance. The tournament offers significant financial rewards and enhances the global brand recognition of participating clubs.

Real Madrid is the most successful club in the tournament’s history, having won the title a record five times. Other prominent winners include Barcelona, Corinthians, and Bayern Munich. The competition consistently attracts a global audience, showcasing the diverse talent and varying styles of play from across the globe.

Future editions of the FIFA Club World Cup are planned with an expanded format, potentially featuring more teams and a longer duration, aiming to further enhance the tournament’s profile and competitiveness.