CHELSEA have not qualified for the next Club World Cup competition despite winning the first one after the tournament’s restructuring.
But – the team the Blues comprehensively defeated in the final – have punched their ticket for the next championship in four years’ time.
The West Londoners on Sunday at the MetLife Stadium in the United States.
Enzo Maresca’s men and sealed the trophy by half-time thanks to a brace by Cole Palmer and a fine finish by summer signing Joao Pedro.
But bizarrely enough, Chelsea were not rewarded with an automatic place in the 2029 .
That is because there are 32 places up for grabs with the allocation being distributed between each continent.
As perFifarankings,Uefaare granted 12 spots, CONMEBOL six, AFC four, CAF four, CONCACAF four, and OFC one.
The host nation of the next tournament will also be granted a slot but there is no guaranteed spot for the actual winners, meaning must qualify as one of Uefa’s 12 clubs.
But PSG are already confirmed despite losing the final as they will be one of the four winners leading to the next tournament.
After the Champions League winners are added, the remaining spots will be filled through Uefa ranking.
And Chelsea are currently sitting 14th in that respective list, so they may either have to climb up a few places or win the competition by 2029.
Nevertheless, the Premier League giants will be leaving the US with far more than just a trophy.
Chelsea have also bagged a staggering £97million in earnings.
