The FIFA Club World Cup is set for a massive overhaul in 2025, expanding from its traditional format to include 32 teams competing in a quadrennial tournament held in the United States from June 14 to July 13. This revamped competition promises to be a global spectacle, featuring top clubs from six international confederations and mirroring the format of the FIFA World Cup.
A New Format Emerges
The expanded Club World Cup will divide the 32 teams into eight groups of four, with each team playing a single-game round-robin within their group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, starting with the round of 16 and culminating in the final. Unlike the traditional World Cup, there will be no third-place play-off match. The tournament aims to crown the true global club champion, offering a platform for clubs from different continents to compete on a level playing field.
Who's In?
Several top clubs have already qualified for the tournament, including Manchester City and Chelsea from the English Premier League. Manchester City earned their spot by winning the 2023 UEFA Champions League, while Chelsea qualified by winning the title in 2021. Real Madrid, the winners of the 2022 and 2024 Champions League, are also among the European representatives. Other notable European clubs include Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, and Juventus.
Outside of Europe, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami has controversially secured a spot as the host nation's representative. This decision has sparked debate, with some arguing that the reigning MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy, should have been given the opportunity. Nevertheless, Messi's presence guarantees significant attention and excitement for the tournament.
Confirmed Groups and Key Matchups
The draw for the Club World Cup has already taken place, setting the stage for some exciting group-stage matchups.
The opening match on June 14 will feature Inter Miami against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Other notable early-stage matches include Bayern Munich vs Auckland City and Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid.
Players to Watch
The Club World Cup 2025 will showcase some of the biggest names in football. Lionel Messi will undoubtedly be a central attraction, while Kylian Mbappe, now with Real Madrid, is also expected to shine. Other stars to watch include Vinicius Junior, Sergio Ramos, and a host of international talents from across the participating clubs.
** logistical Aspects**
The tournament will be hosted across 11 cities in the United States, with a total of 12 venues. The opening match will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, while the final will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which also is slated to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. DAZN will broadcast all 63 matches live and stream them for free in multiple languages.
With its expanded format, star-studded lineup, and global reach, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 promises to be a landmark event in the world of football. The participation of clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Inter Miami, along with the presence of iconic players like Lionel Messi, will undoubtedly draw massive attention and create a unique and exciting competition for fans worldwide.
