The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to be a historical expansion of the tournament, with a draw scheduled in Miami on Thursday to determine the first-round groups for the participating 32 teams. This redesigned tournament, which will take place across various venues in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, is expected to showcase top football clubs from around the globe, emphasizing FIFA’s commitment to enhancing club competition at an international level.
The origins of an international club tournament tracing back over 50 years can be found in the Intercontinental Cup, which began in 1960. This contest matched the champions from Europe and South America, often deemed the unofficial world championship for clubs. The inaugural match saw the illustrious Real Madrid squad of the time emerge victorious against Penarol from Uruguay. In 2000, FIFA officially introduced the Club World Cup in Brazil, starting with an eight-team format that saw Corinthians crowned champions in Rio de Janeiro. Over the years, the tournament’s structure transitioned to a seven-team format until the upcoming 2025 edition, which will mark a significant transition to a 32-team format, positioning it as the largest global club tournament in football history.
The lineup for the tournament will include a diverse array of teams, with Europe contributing a robust contingent of 12 clubs and South America presenting six. The representation from Africa, Asia, and the CONCACAF region (comprising North and Central America, along with the Caribbean) will consist of four teams each. Additionally, Oceania will send one team, while the United States, as the host nation, will enjoy an extra slot. Notable clubs include Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Al Ahly, among others, while Inter Miami will represent the host nation.
A total of 12 prestigious stadiums across the United States will be tasked with hosting the 63 matches of this monumental tournament. The opening match will take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, a venue known for its modern look and feel, while the climax of the tournament—the final—will unfold at the MetLife Stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Other key stadiums include the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta and the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, ensuring a variety of settings for supporters to engage with their teams.
The tournament’s format will echo that used in the FIFA World Cup from 1998 to 2022. Teams will be organized into eight groups of four, engaging in round-robin play within their respective groups during the initial phase. The top two teams from each group will then progress to the knockout stage, culminating in a single-match elimination format leading to the final. Notably, there will not be a third-place playoff, which streamlines the competition and focuses on the championship context.
This expanded tournament aims to elevate global club football by providing a platform for top teams from different confederations to compete for the prestigious title. With the excitement building around the competition structure and the high-profile matches set to take place, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises to be a landmark event in the world of football, offering thrilling moments for fans and unforgettable experiences for the clubs involved.
