The world’s biggest club football competition, the FIFA Club World Cup, is set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025. This marks the first edition of the tournament’s expanded 32-team format, a significant upgrade from its previous seven-team knockout structure. The draw for the group stage is scheduled for Thursday in Miami at 6 PM GMT.
Tournament Overview
- The Club World Cup will feature eight groups of four teams each, with the top two from each group advancing to a 16-team knockout stage.
- Host cities include 11 U.S. locations, offering a grand stage for global football fans.
- The competition will occur every four years, mirroring the frequency of the FIFA World Cup for national teams.
Participating Teams
- European Powerhouses: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
- South American Giants: Boca Juniors, River Plate, Fluminense.
- Top Clubs from Africa, Asia, and North America: Al Ahly (Egypt), Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), and Seattle Sounders.
- Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, represents the host nation.
Why Inter Miami?
FIFA awarded Inter Miami a spot as the host nation’s representative based on its 2023 regular season standings. The club, co-owned by David Beckham, will open the tournament in Florida’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Financial and Historical Significance
- Prize Money: Clubs will compete for hundreds of millions in prizes, with top European teams guaranteed $50 million.
- Broadcast Rights: All 63 matches will be streamed globally via DAZN.
- Historical Evolution: Once an annual seven-team tournament, the Club World Cup now aims to rival the FIFA World Cup in grandeur and profitability.
What to Expect?
With stars like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi participating, the 2025 Club World Cup promises thrilling matches and record-breaking global engagement.