[1] Bayern Munich could not defend their title having been eliminated in the semi-finals of the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League by eventual winners Real Madrid.

[4] Including the 1960, 1998 and 2002 Intercontinental Cups, it was Real Madrid's fourth world club title, equalling Milan's record.

[8] On 21 August 2014, FIFA issued a statement reconfirming Morocco as the host, despite recent rumours that a change in venue might be sought due to the 2014 West Africa Ebola virus outbreak.

A draw was held on 11 October 2014 at 19:00 WEST (UTC+1), at the La Mamounia Hotel in Marrakesh,[15] to determine the pairings of the four quarter-finalists.

[16] The first semi-final was originally to be played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, but was moved to Stade de Marrakech, Marrakesh due to difficult pitch conditions.