Credit: Imago / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media

Harri Burton

Fri 8 August 2025 16:52, UK

Chelsea may not be allowed the chance to defend their Club World Cup title once the summer tournament rolls back around in 2029.

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Enzo Maresca led his side to victory in America last month, overcoming some tricky obstacles and a defeat to Flamengo to beat Ligue 1 giants PSG at MetLife Stadium.

It would be the Italian’s second piece of silverware in as many months, with the Blues also lifting the Europa Conference League trophy, and the manager changing his fortunes around at Stamford Bridge.

However, if Maresca is still in charge at the next tournament, which could be a big ask given the revolving door of managers in recent history, the decision may already have been made on their presence in the US.

Chelsea qualified for this year’s Champions League when beating Man City in the 2020/21 Champions League final, with Kai Havertz scoring the only goal, but silverware has been difficult to come by since.

Sources have told The Telegraph (8 August) that FIFA are reviewing this summer’s Club World Cup before determining the qualification plan for 2029, which includes whether the Blues will be involved.

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Maresca’s side claimed £84million in prize money when beating PSG in the final, but they may not be able to defend their title unless the rules are set to allow them to qualify as winners for the next tournament.

It is understood that any move from Gianni Infantino to expand the number of clubs from 32 to 48 would be opposed by UEFA, with FIFA leaders also frustrated by the teams that missed out this year.

Liverpool and Barcelona were not at this summer’s event in the United States, and many believe their presence would have helped increase the interest in a tournament that was hit-and-miss.

Chelsea and Man City won the Champions League between 2021 and 2024, so it was the Reds who missed out this summer.

Football Insider verdict

It has been a difficult few years at Stamford Bridge, even under Todd Boehly‘s reign, but the Blues finally appear to be following a clear plan in terms of aims and transfer targets.

Kieran Maguire has been impressed with Chelsea’s business, with Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens all being brought in this summer, and possibly Xavi Simons still to join.

Of course, Levi Colwill‘s fresh long-term injury is a massive blow ahead of a new season, but Maresca’s defence is stacked with talent due to his requests in the transfer market.

Chelsea’s Club World Cup record (Credit: Hasan Karim – Breaking Media)

Football Insider understands that Chelsea are also interested in Ajax’s Aaron Bouwman, keeping tabs on the 17-year-old centre-back just weeks after signing Jorell Hato from the Eredivisie giants.

The Blues will be hoping to build a new project at Stamford Bridge under this manager, and hopefully, bring more silverware back to the club, and that’s what is needed if they are to appear at the Club World Cup again.

Supporters are fully behind the manager ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, seeing what he has achieved in very little time, so there is full confidence that he can take his side back to America.

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