FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Draw Date, Format, Teams & What to Expect🌍
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to be a landmark tournament—bigger, bolder, and more global than ever. With a revamped format and a star-studded lineup of clubs, here's everything you need to know: draw details, team list, schedule, format changes, and major talking points.
🗓️ 1. Tournament Overview
- Dates: June 14 – July 13, 2025
- Host Country: United States
- Number of Teams: 32 clubs from 6 confederations
- Format: 8 groups of 4 teams; group stage followed by knockout rounds
- Final Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
This is the first time the Club World Cup will follow a World Cup-style format with 32 teams, replacing the old 7-team mini tournament.
🎟️ 2. Official Draw – Date & Details
- Draw Date: December 5, 2024
- Time: 13:00 ET (Miami, USA)
- Location: Telemundo Studios, Florida
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Draw Mechanism:
- Four pots based on club rankings and confederation.
- Teams from the same confederation are generally kept apart (with limited exceptions for UEFA).
- Host team Inter Miami was pre-assigned to Group A; Seattle Sounders to Group B.
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⚽ 3. Participating Teams (By Confederation)
UEFA (Europe) – 12 Teams
- Real Madrid
- Manchester City
- Bayern Munich
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Inter Milan
- Chelsea
- Benfica
- Porto
- Juventus
- Borussia Dortmund
- Red Bull Salzburg
- Atlético Madrid (TBC)
CONMEBOL (South America) – 6 Teams
- Flamengo
- Palmeiras
- River Plate
- Boca Juniors
- Fluminense
- Botafogo
CONCACAF (North & Central America) – 4 Teams
- Club León
- Monterrey
- Pachuca
- Seattle Sounders (Host quota)
AFC (Asia) – 4 Teams
- Al Hilal
- Ulsan Hyundai
- Pohang Steelers
- Al Ain
CAF (Africa) – 4 Teams
- Al Ahly
- Espérance
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- Wydad Casablanca
OFC (Oceania) – 1 Team
- Auckland City (New Zealand)
Host Club – 1 Team
- Inter Miami CF – Featuring Lionel Messi, possibly playing his last Club World Cup.
🗺️ 4. Stadiums & Host Cities
Matches will take place in 11 cities, including:
- Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
- Los Angeles (Rose Bowl)
- New York/New Jersey (MetLife)
- Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, and more.
This makes it the most geographically expansive Club World Cup ever.
📅 5. Key Match Dates
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | June 14 – 26, 2025 |
| Round of 16 | June 28 – July 1 |
| Quarterfinals | July 4 – 5 |
| Semifinals | July 8 – 9 |
| Final | July 13, 2025 |
No third-place playoff will be held.
🌟 6. Players & Storylines to Watch
- Messi’s Last Dance? Inter Miami’s inclusion makes this likely Messi’s final appearance on a global stage.
- Europe vs South America: Longtime rivals could clash with new stakes.
- Emerging Markets: Clubs from Africa, Asia, and North America will be eager to challenge the elite.
⚠️ 7. Controversies & Concerns
- Player Fatigue: Several European managers and players have criticized the expanded calendar.
- Qualification Disputes: Costa Rican side Alajuelense protested the inclusion of multiple Mexican teams.
- Club Opt-Out? Rumors suggest some top European clubs may boycott due to fixture congestion.
📺 8. How to Watch
- United States: TNT Sports
- United Kingdom: Channel 5
- Global Streaming: DAZN and FIFA+ (likely)
Stay tuned to your local listings as more broadcasters will be announced closer to the tournament.
✍️ Conclusion
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is shaping up to be one of the biggest football events in history. With 32 elite clubs, world-class venues, and global fanfare, it’s a tournament no football fan can afford to miss. Whether you're backing Real Madrid, Flamengo, or Inter Miami, get ready for a summer of world-class club football.
Which club are you most excited to see? Drop a comment below and share your predictions!
