The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises to be the largest global club football tournament in history, featuring 32 teams competing across 12 venues in the United States from June 15 to July 13. Here are the key details:
History of the Club World Cup
The journey to crown the world’s best football club dates back to the Intercontinental Cup, launched in 1960, which saw Europe’s and South America’s champions battle it out. FIFA introduced the official Club World Cup in 2000, starting with an eight-team tournament. Recent editions featured seven teams, but the 2025 iteration will see a dramatic expansion to 32 teams.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup Participating Teams
By Continent
- Europe (12 teams): Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, RB Salzburg.
- South America (6 teams): Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo, River Plate, Boca Juniors.
- Africa (4 teams): Al Ahly, Wydad, Es Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Asia (4 teams): Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain, Ulsan HD FC.
- CONCACAF (4 teams): Monterrey, Seattle Sounders, Club Leon, Pachuca.
- Oceania (1 team): Auckland City.
- Host Slot (1 team): Inter Miami.
Tournament Format
The format mirrors the FIFA World Cup used from 1998 to 2022:
- Group Stage: 32 teams divided into eight groups of four play in a round-robin format.
- Knockout Stage: Top two teams from each group progress to the Round of 16. Matches are single-elimination through to the final.
- No Third-Place Playoff.
Venues Across the US
Twelve venues will host the tournament’s 63 matches. Key locations include:
- Opening Match: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida.
- Final: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey/New York.
Full List of Venues:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
- TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, Ohio)
- Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- Rose Bowl Stadium (Pasadena, California)
- Geodis Park (Nashville, Tennessee)
- Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
- Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington)
- Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 promises a thrilling display of football as top clubs from around the globe battle for supremacy. Who will emerge as the world’s best? Stay tuned.
