The FIFA Membership World Cup is reportedly set to broaden from 32 to 48 groups in its subsequent version, following strain from a number of high European golf equipment who missed out on the present format.
Among the many most notable names are FC Barcelona and Manchester United. Softfootball understands that Barcelona would solely qualify mechanically in the event that they win the UEFA Champions League. Their final Champions League triumph got here in 2015, and as of twenty first February 2026, there are doubts about their capacity to carry the 2025/26 title.
In the meantime, United supporters have been vocal in downplaying Chelsea’s celebration of their Membership World Cup victory. Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain F.C. 3–0 within the ultimate of the expanded 2025 match on 13 July 2025 at MetLife Stadium.
For Chelsea followers, nonetheless, the triumph carries historic significance. They turned the primary membership to win the newly expanded 32-team version and presently put on the distinguished gold champions badge till the subsequent match is staged.
Softfootball believes that if extra elite golf equipment are pushing for inclusion in an expanded format, defending champions must also be granted automated qualification much like how title holders traditionally obtain recognition and safety in competitions just like the Champions League.
As FIFA considers structural adjustments, the controversy now centres on steadiness: increasing business enchantment whereas sustaining aggressive integrity. One factor is for certain, the Membership World Cup is quickly evolving into one in all soccer’s most politically charged competitions.
