Three matchdays into the Champions League, the Club World Cup 2029 race is already moving. Paris Saint Germain sit on 125 points in FIFA's updated UEFA ranking, while Inter are on 117 and still inside the qualification picture. Sky Sport Italia also reported that PSG's repeated Champions League win frees up one more place through the ranking.

PSG's effect on the UEFA pathway

The next Club World Cup is scheduled for 2029, and FIFA's qualification window for the second edition runs from 2024/25 to 2027/28. The tournament is expected to have 32 teams, with a maximum of 2 per country. That is why PSG's back-to-back titles matter in practical terms, not just as a trophy note. Their place in the ranking changes the route for other European clubs before the race has even settled into winter.

Sky Sport Italia said, in comments translated from Italian: "Having repeated the win, Luis Enrique's team frees up one more place through the ranking." The same outlet also said: "There is still a long way to go, but after three matchdays of the Champions League, thoughts return to the next edition of the Club World Cup scheduled for 2029."

Inter and Club Brugge in the mix

Inter are the clearest example of how early this still is. They are 21st in the Champions League league phase with 3 points from 3 matches, yet their 117 ranking points keep them relevant in the Club World Cup race. A separate point in their favour is their domestic form, with Inter top of Serie A on 19 points from 7 matches.

Club Brugge are the surprise mover. They are 11th in the Champions League league phase with 6 points from 3 matches, and their 78.25 ranking points show they are climbing into the edges of the qualification battle rather than just filling space in it. Bayern Munich lead the updated UEFA ranking on 131.5 points, with Arsenal on 130 and Real Madrid on 126.5. Inter's place is real, but the two-country limit means the final list is not a straight line from the table to the tournament.

The current picture still has room to change, especially with qualifying running until 2027/28. Right now, though, PSG have already changed the shape of the UEFA race, Inter remain in contention, and Club Brugge are the side most clearly rising from outside the usual elite group.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →