The expanded FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) in 2025, hosted in the United States, is viewed as a crucial event for German football, offering valuable insights and opportunities for growth. With Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund participating in the high-stakes quarterfinals, the tournament provides a platform to enhance the international reputation of the Bundesliga and prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Michael Rummenigge, a former Bayern and Dortmund striker, emphasized the importance of the CWC for German clubs. He noted that matches against teams from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Arab world offer valuable insights into global football trends. "Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, we need to pay close attention to the level of quality from teams on these continents," Rummenigge stated. Despite initial European skepticism, the tournament is gaining global traction, providing vital lessons for clubs as they prepare for the next Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League seasons. "Progressing to the next round enhances the international reputation of the Bundesliga," Rummenigge added.
Dortmund coach Niko Kovac highlighted the dominance of South American and European teams but stressed the importance of intercontinental matchups. "It's vital for European teams to play against the best from other continents," Kovac said. He also noted the different approach of South American teams and their supporters to the tournament, which European fans and clubs are beginning to realize. Kovac sees broader value in the tournament, particularly in preparing European national teams for the 2026 World Cup in terms of travel demands, climate adaptation, and logistical planning.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany echoed this sentiment, calling the exposure to diverse tactical systems and styles "overwhelmingly interesting". The CWC offers a unique opportunity to experience different footballing cultures and strategies, which can benefit German teams in the long run.
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup based on their UEFA Champions League performances between 2021 and 2024. Bayern, as the highest-ranked qualifier, and Dortmund, as the third-highest, secured their places through the UEFA coefficient system. Bayern Munich has a history in the Club World Cup, having participated twice and won both times, in 2014 against Raja Casablanca and in 2020 against Tigres UANL.
Despite the potential benefits, the expanded Club World Cup also faces criticism. Jurgen Klopp, now the head of global soccer for Red Bull, has called the Club World Cup the "worst idea ever implemented in football" due to its impact on player workload. The new format, with 32 teams competing over a month, offers little recovery time for players, increasing the risk to player welfare. Klopp argued that the tournament adds to the already congested football calendar, leaving players with insufficient physical and mental recovery.
Some observers have noted a lack of enthusiasm among European-based fans for the tournament. Empty seats at matches and the perception of the CWC as a pre-season tournament raise questions about its significance for European clubs and fans. Others suggest that European teams may be tired and demotivated, as the tournament takes place after a long season when players would normally be resting.
Despite these concerns, the participation of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is expected to contribute to the international reputation of German football. The tournament provides a valuable opportunity to compete against top teams from around the world, gain insights into different footballing styles, and prepare for the challenges of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
