Could Newcastle United emulate Man City and Chelsea by one day playing at the FIFA World Club Cup
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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe celebrates gaining a Champions League place
Newcastle United are watching on from their holidays as Chelsea and Manchester City battle it out at the FIFA World Club Cup.
Chelsea started their tournament with a 2-0 win over LAFC in Atlanta on Monday and face Flamengo and ES Tunis in their other Group D fixtures. Man City will kick off their tournament against Wydad in Group G in Philadelphia before encounters with Al Ain and Juventus.
Viewers, who have watched on via Channel 5 and DAZN, may have noticed that each club participating has a ranking from FIFA with Man City top of the leaderboard in the eyes of the game's leaders despite not winning the Champions League or Premier League last season.
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This is because the points are added up based on performances across previous campaigns with Man City and Chelsea qualifying for the FIFA World Club Cup after winning the Champions League in 2021 and 2023.
FIFA base their rankings from club performances over the last four seasons from UEFA's co-efficient system. Man City are the highest ranked team in the tournament after racking up 123 points in the last four seasons and are four ahead of second place Real Madrid.
Paris St-Germain, who won the Champions League after thumping Inter Milan 5-0, are still only fourth while Chelsea sit in fifth despite having the tag of continenal champions qualifier after winning Europe's top prize four years ago.
So, where would Newcastle United rank in the eyes of FIFA? Well, given that the rankings are calculated on performances in the last four seasons, the bad news is Newcastle are some way down the pecking order and have work to do.
Don't forget the 2022/23 season was Newcastle's first taste of European action since 2012/13 when they participated in the Europa League under Alan Pardew. That leaves the Magpies sitting in 43rd place, above Galatasaray but below sides like Sheriff from Moldova and Lens of France.
Newcastle have just eight points to their name in terms of rankings but at least get the chance to bolster their presence in FIFA and UEFA's rankings next season with eight games to go at.
In terms of Newcastle fans one day making the journey to see their side playing in the FIFA World Club Cup, well, the road to the 2029 tournament, which could take place in Australia and New Zealand who are bidding hosts, starts in September ahead of the Champions League fixtures.
Good performances in the next four years could see Newcastle qualify as either the best-ranked UEFA team or, dare we say, win the trophy itself. PSG have already booked their place at the 2029 FIFA World Club Cup, and the next three winners will also be there in four years!
Of course it would take a phenomenal effort but Newcastle are pushing at an open door after qualifying for the Champions League last season.
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