Dribble Diaries

The United States will host a newly redesigned 32-team FIFA Club World Cup beginning in 2025. Fifa president Gianni Infantino has earlier approved the enlargement and new format ahead of the 2022 World Cup final. Twelve European clubs will compete, including the Champions League winners from 2021-24, with Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City already qualified. The remaining clubs were decided by a rating during the same four-year period. The remaining 20 slots will be filled by six CONMEBOL clubs, including the Copa Libertadores winners between 2021 and 2024; four CONCACAF teams, primarily the 2021-24 Champions League winners; four clubs from CAF and AFC, also based on the respective Champions League winners; one from OFC - the highest-ranked club from its 2021-24 Champions League winners; and one from the host country. "The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will represent the zenith of elite professional men's club football. "With the necessary infrastructure in place and a ...

Real Madrid have formally confirmed their participation in FIFA's expanded Club World Cup, despite manager Carlo Ancelotti appearing to rule it out. The new competition will take place in June and July of next year, including 32 clubs from around the world rather than the normal seven major league champions. All but three of those 32 spots have been filled, with Real Madrid securing a spot as the defending Champions League champion. According to Relevo, Ancelotti told Il Giornale that "Fifa can forget" about Los Blancos participating in the event and that the team will decline the offer. Following the manager's comments, Madrid issued a statement on their official website clarifying their position. It reads: "Real Madrid CF states that its participation in the new Club World Cup, which Fifa will organize in the future 2024-2025 season, has never been called into question. "Therefore, our club will compete, as planned, in this official competition that we fac...