[1] The competition was endorsed by both the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol (CONMEBOL) and, until 1979, it was played over two legs.

From 1980, its format was changed to a single match traditionally held in Tokyo, Japan, due to its new sponsorship.

[2] In its first nine editions, the competition's winner was decided on a points system; if necessary, a play-off match would be held to determine the outcome in the event of a draw.

[3] Nacional and Peñarol (Uruguay), Boca Juniors (Argentina), Real Madrid (Spain), and A.C. Milan (Italy) hold the record for the most victories, each team having won the competition three times; Milan and Independiente (Argentina) have the most runner-up places (four).

[5] The last Intercontinental Cup was won by 2004 European champions Porto of Portugal, who beat Colombian side Once Caldas by 8–7 in a penalty shootout, after the match finished 0–0.