Top five best FIFA Club World Cup finals in history

Real Madrid have won the mega competition a record five times.

In an attempt to include football clubs from all over the world in a single competition, the FIFA Club World Cup was born. The first edition of the mega event took place in 2000. Over the years, the competition and the addition of teams have gotten better.

It was only in 2025 that FIFA wanted to make this tournament bigger. A total of 32 teams from six different confederations from all around the world battled for the mega prize. Now this tournament’s edition is in the final stage.

Paris Saint-Germain are set to battle Chelsea in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. It will be interesting to see which team among these will come out on top on the world stage.

The LaLiga and European giants Real Madrid are the record winners of the competition. Los Blancos have won the competition five times. They were knocked out of the current edition after a lacklustre show against PSG.

As we are close to concluding another Club World Cup, here are some iconic finals of the mega competition, which have a lasting impact on the memories of fans.

Iconic FIFA Club World Cup finals

5. Internacional vs Barcelona (2006)

After the tournament was launched in 2000, the Brazilian clubs had a dominating impact on the mega competition. Why? The first three editions of the Club World Cup were won by the Brazil-based clubs.

One of these editions produced an entertaining final where Sporting Club Internacional faced Barcelona. Adriano Gabiru came in as a substitute for the Brazilian side in the second half and scored the winner. It was a grand victory for them because they took down Blaugrana, who came in after conquering Europe.

4. Chelsea vs Palmerieas (2021)

It can be considered as one of the top finals of the competition. Chelsea and Palmeiras ended on level terms in normal time after an intense battle. Romelu Lukaku broke the deadlock and put the Blues in front after scoring in the second half.

Minutes later, Raphael Cavalcante Veiga of Palmeiras stepped up and converted a spot kick to score an equaliser. It was only in the final moments of the extra time that Kai Havertz scored the winning penalty for Chelsea, making the scoreline 2-1 and leading the Blues to their first-ever FIFA CWC trophy.

3. Barcelona vs Estudiantes (2009)

The LaLiga giants, Barcelona, almost lost another Club World Cup final as Mauro Boselli scored in the first half for Estudiantes, giving them the lead. The Blaugrana might have been defeated if it were not for Pedro, who scored an equaliser for them in the 89th minute.

Barcelona then played better during the extra time. It was none other than Lionel Messi who scored the match-winning goal to make it 2-1 and lead his side to their maiden FIFA Club World Cup title.

2. Real Madrid vs Al Hilal (2022)

This final includes the most goals ever in the Club World Cup final. Los Blancos struck with a couple of early fireworks, putting their Saudi Arabian opponents under pressure. Al Hilal did reply with a goal in the first half, but they were still behind.

Real Madrid did not back down and came up with another couple of goals early in the second half, leaving a mountain to climb for the Saudi club. Al Hilal scored a couple of goals more in the second half, but Vinicius Jr. completed his brace and made it 5-3. This was Real Madrid’s fifth Club World Cup win.

1. Real Madrid vs Kashima Antlers (2016)

This was an interesting contest between the two teams. It also lives long in the memory of Los Blancos fans. The Spanish giants fired early and took the lead.

The Japan-based club Kashima Antlers struck back and scored two goals, which built pressure over Real Madrid. It was the Portuguese talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick and helped Los Blancos secure a 4-2 win. CR7 still remains the top goal scorer of the competition with seven goals on board.

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