The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is officially underway, kicking off on June 14, 2025, with a compelling match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly. The game took place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
This edition marks a significant expansion of the tournament, growing from its previous format to include 32 teams. This change mirrors the structure of the FIFA World Cup, aiming to create a more inclusive and globally representative competition. Thirty-two clubs from the six international confederations which are AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC and UEFA, will participate in the tournament.
Tournament Format
The tournament starts with a group stage, dividing the 32 teams into eight groups of four. Within each group, teams will compete in a single-game round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will then advance to the round of 16, initiating a direct single-match knockout stage that extends to the final. Notably, there will be no third-place play-off in this format. The final match is scheduled for July 13 and will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Qualified Teams and Groups
The qualified teams were determined by winning the continental club competition or via the confederation's four-year rankings. The groups are: * Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami * Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders * Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica * Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Los Angeles FC * Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan * Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD FC, Mamelodi Sundowns * Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus * Group H: Real Madrid, Al-Hilal, Pachuca, FC Salzburg
Key Storylines
Several key storylines are emerging as the tournament progresses. Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi leading the charge, is under close scrutiny. The team controversially secured its place as a representative of the host nation. Al Ahly, a dominant force in African football, enters the competition after winning the Egyptian league and the CAF Champions League.
How to Watch
For viewers in the UK, DAZN is broadcasting each match of the tournament live, including the opening game and the final. In the USA, the Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly game is available on DAZN and TBS.
Prize Money
The competition offers a substantial prize pool, with $1 billion USD up for grabs. This significant financial incentive adds another layer of competition as teams battle for the title of the world's best men's football team.
