The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to commence on Sunday in the United States, marking a significant expansion of the tournament’s format. This year, 32 teams will compete in 63 matches over a period of 29 days, culminating in the final on July 15. Previously, the tournament typically featured six to eight teams in its earlier editions.
Under the new structure, the teams are divided into eight groups of four. Representing various football confederations, the lineup includes 12 clubs from UEFA, six from CONMEBOL, one from the OFC, four each from AFC, CAF, and CONCACAF, and an additional club from the host nation, which in this case is Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. Inter Miami earned their spot following an impressive 2024 season, where they set a new MLS record by accumulating the most points in a single season.
The tournament will showcase winners from the major continental competitions between 2021 and 2024, with additional spots allocated to clubs based on their performance in these timeframes. For example, Real Madrid has secured an additional slot due to their multiple UEFA Champions League victories.
FIFA’s new format allows for two clubs from most countries to qualify, although Brazil stands out with four teams due to their dominance in the CONMEBOL Libertadores over the past four years. The group stage will see all participating teams face off against each other, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage, which includes pre-quarterfinals, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.
This edition’s groupings include notable teams like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, ensuring an exciting tournament ahead. The previous FIFA Club World Cup in 2023 saw Manchester City crowned champions.
As the tournament approaches, excitement is building among fans and players alike, with matches scheduled to take place in prestigious venues across the United States, such as the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Fans in India can look forward to streaming the games live on platforms like FanCode and DAZN, making it accessible for a wider audience to enjoy the thrill of global club football.
In essence, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 promises to be a landmark event, highlighting the growing international landscape of football and offering fans a unique opportunity to witness top-tier competition among the world’s finest clubs.