FIFA is taking global club football to the next level—but not without causing some confusion among fans. As of now, there are two FIFA-sanctioned international tournaments for clubs: the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, which will debut with a new format in June 2025, and the modern Intercontinental Cup, which held its first edition in 2024. While both competitions aim to bring the world’s top teams together, their structure and purpose are completely different.

The Intercontinental Cup, Reimagined

The current Intercontinental Cup is an annual knockout tournament featuring the six continental champions: UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, AFC, CAF, and OFC. Only the European representative gets a bye to the final, while the others battle for the right to face them.

In 2024, Real Madrid defeated Pachuca 3-0 in Doha to claim the first title. The competition is inspired by the historic Intercontinental Cup (1960–2004) but has been modernized and expanded to reflect today’s global football landscape.

The 2025 Club World Cup: A New Era

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is a true game-changer. For the first time, 32 clubs will take part in a tournament modeled after the FIFA World Cup for national teams. It will be held every four years, with the inaugural edition set for the U.S. from June 15 to July 13, 2025.

It will feature recent champions from each confederation, additional high-ranking clubs based on FIFA’s criteria, and a host nation representative, such as Inter Miami. The format includes a group stage, knockout rounds, and a final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Two Competitions, Two Missions

Although both tournaments fall under FIFA’s umbrella, their distinctions are clear:

While the Club World Cup aims to be the pinnacle of global club football, the Intercontinental Cup acts as an annual super final among champions. Both will coexist in the international calendar, elevating the reach and relevance of club football worldwide.