Contents
What is the Fifa club world cup?
The FIFA Club World Cup is an international football competition that brings together the top clubs from each continent to determine the world’s best. Initially launched in 2000, the tournament has grown in significance and will see its most dramatic evolution in 2025. That edition will feature 32 teams, run for nearly a month in the United States (June 15 – July 13), and mirror the scale of the FIFA World Cup, with 63 matches streamed globally and for free on Dazn for maximum fan access.
History of the tournament
The tournament began in 2000 in Brazil, originally coexisting with the Intercontinental Cup, which pitted UEFA and CONMEBOL champions against each other. It was suspended from 2001 to 2004 due to the collapse of FIFA’s marketing partner, ISL, but returned in 2005 as an annual event featuring seven teams. European clubs often dominated, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich among the most successful. In 2017, FIFA retrospectively recognised both the Club World Cup and the Intercontinental Cup as world championships, further cementing their historical importance.
The 2025 edition: Format and changes
The 2025 edition will mark a turning point, expanding to 32 clubs and adopting a format akin to the FIFA World Cup. Teams will be split into eight groups of four, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout stages, leading to the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on July 13. The tournament will drop the third-place playoff and feature clubs from all six confederations: 12 from Europe, 6 from South America, 5 from North America, 4 each from Africa and Asia, and 1 from Oceania. Held across 12 U.S. stadiums, the event aims to boost competitiveness, diversity, and global reach.
Qualification process
Teams earn their spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup based on how they performed in their continent’s top club competitions from 2021 to 2024. Each football confederation is given a set number of slots:
– Europe (UEFA): 12 teams
– South America (CONMEBOL): 6 teams
– North & Central America (CONCACAF): 5 teams (including 1 extra as the host region)
– Asia (AFC): 4 teams
– Africa (CAF): 4 teams
– Oceania (OFC): 1 team
For example, in Europe, the UEFA Champions League winners from 2021 to 2024, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City automatically qualify. Other top clubs, like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, are selected based on UEFA’s ranking system.
One decision that has drawn criticism involves the inclusion of Inter Miami from CONCACAF. Instead of choosing the MLS Cup winner, FIFA selected Inter Miami as the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield winner. A move seen by many as a way to ensure Lionel Messi takes part in the tournament. While this could attract more viewers, it has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with concerns about fairness and transparency in the selection process.
Participating teams
As of 19 May 2025, the 32 clubs that have qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup represent all six football confederations. Here’s a breakdown by region:
Asia (AFC) – 4 teams
– Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
– Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
– Al Ain (UAE)
– Ulsan HD (South Korea)
Africa (CAF) – 4 teams
– Al Ahly (Egypt)
– Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)
– Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)
– Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
North & Central America (CONCACAF) – 4 teams (+1 host team)
– Monterrey (Mexico)
– Seattle Sounders (USA)
– Pachuca (Mexico)
– Los Angeles FC
– Inter Miami (USA – Host country slot)
South America (CONMEBOL) – 6 teams
– Palmeiras (Brazil)
– Fluminense (Brazil)
– Flamengo (Brazil)
– Botafogo (Brazil)
– River Plate (Argentina)
– Boca Juniors (Argentina)
Oceania (OFC) – 1 team
– Auckland City (New Zealand)
Europe (UEFA) – 12 teams
– Chelsea (England)
– Real Madrid (Spain)
– Manchester City (England)
– Bayern Munich (Germany)
– Paris Saint-Germain (France)
– Inter Milan (Italy)
– Porto (Portugal)
– Benfica (Portugal)
– Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
– Juventus (Italy)
– Atletico Madrid (Spain)
– Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)
Tournament schedule and venues
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will take place from 15 June to 13 July, with matches played across 12 stadiums in the United States. The tournament will kick off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where Inter Miami will face Al Ahly in the opening match. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 13 July.
All 63 matches will be broadcast live, making it easier than ever for fans around the globe to tune in.
🗓️ Match schedule
– Group stage: 15 – 29 June
– Quarter-finals: 1 – 3 July
– Semi-finals: 6 – 7 July
– Final: 13 July
🏟️ Featured venues
In addition to Miami and New Jersey, several major stadiums across the U.S. will host key matches, including:
– Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
– Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
– AT&T Stadium (Dallas)
– SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)
– And more across the country
Hosting the tournament in the United States shows FIFA’s goal to grow football’s popularity in North America. With matches spread across major cities, fans in the region will have more opportunities to attend games in person, while global fans benefit from free streaming access.
Get all the Club World Cup info you need with the Sportmonks API, from live commentary and fixture dates to lineups and match details. Whether you’re building something or digging into the data, it’s all there. Check it out on MySportmonks.
The draw: Groups and matchups
The group stage draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup took place in December 2024, with 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. Each team will play three group matches, and the top two teams from each group will move on to the knockout stage.
The draw was designed to bring together clubs from different continents, ensuring exciting and diverse matchups. For example, in Group G, Manchester City will face:
– Juventus (Italy)
– Wydad AC (Morocco)
– Al Ain (UAE)
To maintain balance, especially among European teams, FIFA spread clubs from the same region across different groups. This helps prevent early eliminations of top contenders and keeps fans engaged throughout the tournament.
Key players and teams to watch
⭐ Players to watch
The 2025 Club World Cup will feature some of the biggest names in football:
– Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): At 38, Messi is still dazzling fans. He’s been in top form this season and is leading Inter Miami both domestically and on the world stage.
– Erling Haaland (Manchester City): After recovering from injury, Haaland is back and hungry for silverware. He’ll be key in City’s pursuit of their first Club World Cup title.
– Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): With Real Madrid under pressure after a lacklustre end to the season, Mbappé will be looking to make a statement and remind the world of his class.
– Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): Fresh off winning his first major trophy, Kane now sets his sights on adding another, this time on the global stage.
🏆 Teams to watch
– Real Madrid (Spain, UEFA): The most successful club in Club World Cup history, with five titles. Featuring Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé, their mix of speed, flair, and solid defence makes them strong favourites.
– Manchester City (England, UEFA): With tactical mastermind Pep Guardiola at the helm, City will rely on the likes of Haaland and Rodri. Their smart, possession-based football and squad depth make them tough to beat.
– Bayern Munich (Germany, UEFA): Known for consistency and power, Bayern’s lineup includes goal machine Harry Kane and creative spark Musiala and Olise. They’re always a threat.
– Flamengo (Brazil, CONMEBOL): South American champions with a passionate following. Led by Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol), they have the flair and determination to take on Europe’s best.
– Al Ahly (Egypt, CAF): Africa’s most decorated club, Al Ahly has reached the semi-finals before. Their strong team spirit and tactical discipline could see them surprise bigger names again.
– Inter Miami (USA, CONCACAF): The hosts will be in the spotlight thanks to Messi. Although their qualification was controversial, their home advantage and Messi’s magic make them one of the most talked-about teams.
Follow every moment of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
The FIFA Club World Cup is bigger and better than ever in 2025, featuring 32 elite teams battling it out across the United States. From Messi’s magic at Inter Miami to Haaland’s quest for global glory with Manchester City, don’t miss a single highlight.
Sportmonks football API provides you with comprehensive real-time updates, live commentary, player stats, match schedules, and more from the tournament. It’s perfect whether you’re developing an app, covering the action as it unfolds, or simply want to stay informed about every exciting match.
Start your free trial today and experience the ultimate in football coverage.
FAQs about the club world cup
