Let's say that collective liberation was finally achieved in 2022, just days before the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The field of 32 national teams has been replaced with a field of 68 clubs. Of those, 32 are automatic qualifiers, being the champions of their respective nations. The 37 others have been given at-large berths thanks to their outstanding performances. This qualification process is a lot like the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. 38 countries are being represented: 32 from the original tournament and 6 (Angola, Egypt, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, and Tahiti) thanks to at-large bids.
Petro de Luanda won 3–2 on aggregate and qualified for the group stage.
Draw
Draw
Pot 1
Pot 2
Pot 3
Pot 4
Al Sadd Real Madrid Manchester City Paris Saint-Germain FC Bayern Liverpool AC Milan Chelsea Flamengo Boca Juniors Palmeiras Arsenal Napoli Barcelona Manchester United Internazionale
TBD
TBD
TBD Independiente del Valle Petro de Luanda Western United Al Hilal