Inter Milan Lead Race For Club World Cup Qualification; Rivals Juventus & AC Milan Lag Behind | OneFootball

Inter Milan are leading the early race for a place at the 2029 Club World Cup, pulling ahead of Europe’s biggest clubs in the provisional UEFA ranking.

The next expanded edition of the tournament will again feature 12 European teams, and although FIFA have yet to formalise the qualification criteria, the points system mirrors the model used for the 2025 event.

For 2025, the field was made up of the previous four Champions League winners plus the top eight clubs in the UEFA ranking, with a limit of two teams per country.

The 2029 cycle is expected to follow a similar pathway, rewarding consistent results, deep runs, and match victories in European competition.

Inter Lead Club World Cup Qualification Race

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano reacts to a missed shot on goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain have already secured an early ticket by winning last season’s Champions League final against Inter, as per FCInterNews.

Despite that defeat, the Nerazzurri sit top of the current UEFA ranking with 63 points, ahead of Arsenal on 59 and PSG on 58.

Barcelona (51), Bayern Munich (46) and Borussia Dortmund (44) follow.

Meanwhile, Liverpool and Real Madrid close the top eight on 42 points each.

Indeed, The system attributes three points for every win and three for participation.

Alongside bonuses for progression through the knockout rounds.

Inter’s steady European form underpins their position.

Only Atalanta also represent Italy inside the top 15, the Bergamo side sit 13th with 31 points.

Further back, Juventus (24 points), AC Milan (18) and Napoli (10) have significant ground to make up.

Indeed, if they hope to challenge for a place at the 2029 finals.

Inter’s lead is far from decisive with several seasons still to play.

However, the Nerazzurri are firmly in control of the Italian contingent as FIFA finalises the tournament’s next phase.