Which team and country has won the most titles? Who is the record goal scorer? Al Jazeera looks back at the tournament.The 21st edition of the FIFA Club World Cup is set to roll out in the United States on Saturday, June 14, as Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami host Egyptian club Al Ahly in Miami, Florida.
The tournament’s changed-up and expanded format has been subject to debate and criticism, but FIFA and its chief Gianni Infantino remain optimistic about its future as the premier club competition.
Its history, although relatively short, is littered with illustrious champions from across the world.
Here’s a look back at the 25-year history of the tournament:
2000-2006: Brazil rules the first three FIFA Club World Cups
The inaugural edition was an all-Brazilian affair as the country’s top two clubs – Corinthians and Vasco da Gama – contested the final, which was hosted at Rio de Janeiro’s historic cauldron, the Maracana Stadium, on January 14, 2000.
Corinthians emerged victorious as the game ended goalless after extra time and a dramatic penalty shootout saw them win 4-3.
Famous players including Romario (Brazil), Nicolas Anelka (France), Raul (Spain) and Dwight Yorke (Trinidad and Tobago) were part of the tournament. Advertisement
The tournament was halted for five years due to FIFA’s troubles with finding marketing and broadcast partners.
Upon its resumption in 2005, the Samba Boys once again went on to win the following two editions.
Sao Paulo beat Liverpool 1-0 in the December 2005 final in Yokohama, Japan, and Internacional beat Barcelona a year later with the same scoreline at the same venue.
2007-20 …
