The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is an exciting tournament set to launch on Sunday in the United States, marking its expanded format featuring 32 teams competing over 63 matches spread across 29 days. This event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, culminating in the final on July 15.
Historically, past editions of the Club World Cup have included only six to eight teams. However, this 21st edition introduces a more inclusive format with a total of 32 clubs drawn into eight groups of four teams each. This expansion is designed to elevate the competition, showcasing the best teams from around the globe.
Teams and Representation
Among the 32 teams participating, the representation is diverse. Twelve clubs hail from UEFA, with six from CONMEBOL, and one from the OFC. The AFC, CAF, and CONCACAF each have four teams represented. Additionally, one spot is reserved for a club from the host nation, which has been awarded to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami following their extraordinary performance in the previous season.
The tournament will feature the champions of major continental club competitions from 2021 to 2024. Notably, if any team has won their respective continental title multiple times during this period, the next club ranked in the confederation’s standings will take their spot, as seen with Real Madrid having been awarded this additional allocation due to their multiple UEFA Champions League victories.
The qualification process for the tournament has been carefully structured. UEFA employs its own club coefficient system for ranking, while other confederations utilize FIFA’s four-year point system. There is a maximum limit of two clubs from any one country, with an exception for Brazil, which boasts four representatives due to its dominance in the CONMEBOL Libertadores.
Tournament Structure
Teams will compete in a round-robin format within their respective groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages. This stage consists of pre-quarterfinals, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately the final match, where the champion will be crowned.
The last tournament in 2023 saw Manchester City emerge victorious in a competitive seven-team format. Real Madrid holds the record for the most wins in the history of the tournament, with five titles to their name.
Groups Overview
The groups for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 are as follows:
- Group A: Al Ahly (Egypt), Porto (Portugal), Palmeiras (Brazil), Inter Miami (USA)
- Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (France), Atlético Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), Seattle Sounders (USA)
- Group C: Bayern Munich (Germany), Auckland City (New Zealand), Boca Juniors (Argentina), Benfica (Portugal)
- Group D: Flamengo (Brazil), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Chelsea (England), LAFC (USA)
- Group E: River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Monterrey (Mexico), Inter Milan (Italy)
- Group F: Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan HD (South Korea), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
- Group G: Manchester City (England), Wydad AC (Morocco), Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (Italy)
- Group H: Real Madrid (Spain), Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)
Venues
The matches will be held at various prestigious venues across the United States, including:
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
- MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford)
- Lumen Field (Seattle)
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- TQL Stadium (Cincinnati)
- Rose Bowl Stadium (Los Angeles)
- GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tennessee)
- Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
- Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
- Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
Schedule and Timing
Fans can catch the tournament action starting from the group stage, with the following notable fixtures:
Sunday, June 15
- Group A: Al Ahly vs Inter Miami at 5:30 AM IST
- Group C: Bayern Munich vs Auckland City at 9:30 PM IST
- Monday, June 16
- Group B: Paris Saint-Germain vs Atlético Madrid at 12:30 AM IST
- Group A: Palmeiras vs Porto at 3:30 AM IST
- Group B: Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders at 7:30 AM IST
The group matches will continue until June 27, and the knockout stage will commence on June 28.
Where to Watch
In India, fans can look forward to live streaming of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 through the FanCode app and website. Additionally, DAZN will provide global free streaming for all matches. Select games will also be available via live telecast on Eurosport TV channels, ensuring that fans won’t miss any of the action from this thrilling tournament.
With top clubs from across the globe competing for the ultimate prize, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to be a remarkable event for football fans everywhere. Whether you’re tuning in at home or catching the matches on the go, this tournament promises to deliver extraordinary moments and unforgettable memories.
