The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 marks the introduction of a new 32-team tournament, set to take place every four years starting in 2025. This global competition is overseen by FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, who has advocated for this format since 2017. The previous Club World Cup format, which featured seven teams, has now been transitioned to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

This revamped tournament follows the classic 32-team structure established in the men’s World Cup since 1998. Teams will be divided into eight groups consisting of four clubs each, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage, culminating in the final.

A total of 63 matches will be played throughout the tournament; notably, unlike the World Cup, there will not be a third-place match.

Where Is the Tournament Being Held?

The tournament will take place across 12 venues in 11 cities throughout the USA. The opening match is scheduled for June 15 in Miami, while the final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 13.

Which Teams Will Compete in the Club World Cup?

The tournament will feature 32 teams, including 12 from Europe, with Manchester City and Chelsea representing England.

The complete list of participating teams includes:

Europe: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Red Bull Salzburg, Atletico Madrid.
Oceania: Auckland City.
South America: Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Botafogo.
North and Central America, Caribbean: Monterrey, Seattle Sounders, León, Pachuca, Inter Miami (host nation slot).
Africa: Al Ahly, Wydad, ES Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Asia: Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain, Ulsan HD.

What Are the Prospects for City and Chelsea?

Both Manchester City and Chelsea are anticipated to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament. While City has been placed in the same group as Juventus, they face relatively manageable matchups against Wydad AC from Morocco and UAE’s Al Ain.

Chelsea’s group includes Flamengo, who finished third in Brazil’s Serie A but have a record of losing eight out of 20 matches. They will also compete against Club León from Mexico and Esperance from Tunisia, with León’s participation raising questions due to their shared ownership with Club de Fútbol Pachuca, which may conflict with FIFA regulations.

During the draw, Infantino expressed that he expects four million fans to travel to the USA for the event, with an estimated five billion viewers tuning in from home.

Donald Trump, the U.S. president-elect, extended his best wishes to Infantino during a video message, praising him as a successful leader. Infantino’s response was one of surprise and appreciation.

Controversy has surrounded FIFA’s decision to designate Inter Miami—coached by Lionel Messi—as the host nation club, foregoing the winner of the MLS Championship match between Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls.

However, MLS Commissioner Don Garber defended FIFA’s choice, indicating that there is no stipulation requiring the MLS Cup champion to participate in the Club World Cup, emphasizing the decision’s focus on benefiting the league’s showcase.

Additionally, FIFA has negotiated a $1 billion agreement with DAZN for the global, free-to-view broadcasting rights for the tournament, which is anticipated before an investment by Saudi Arabia in the platform. DAZN’s owner, Leonard Blavatnik, was present at the draw alongside Trump’s family.

How Do Teams Qualify for the Club World Cup?

Qualification for the tournament occurs through several avenues, mainly by triumphing in continental club competitions. The Champions League champions from 2021 to 2024 are automatically qualified. Other teams qualify based on a ranking system, but this route is restricted if two clubs from the same nation qualify through continental events. FIFA selects the representative club from the host nation.

What Are the Rewards for Winning?

The champions of the tournament can earn a total of £117 million, assuming they win all three of their group matches. Each participating club is awarded £31 million for taking part, along with an additional £1.48 million for each group stage victory and £742,000 for a draw. Advancing to the last 16 brings an extra £5.5 million, reaching the quarter-finals adds £9.74 million, progressing to the semi-finals grants £15.59 million, and those advancing to the final secure an additional £22.28 million.

FIFA has also commissioned a new trophy featuring the engraving of its president, Gianni Infantino.

What Controversies Have Emerged?

The tournament has faced numerous controversies since its proposal by Infantino seven years ago. Initially opposed by UEFA, the organization eventually relented. Recent months have seen players’ unions including the PFA and FIFPro, along with European league organizations, filing legal claims against FIFA in European courts for alleged abuses of power.

There is ongoing criticism regarding the selection of Inter Miami as the host club without a clear set of criteria, resulting in the absence of the MLS champions—Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls—from the tournament.

Furthermore, FIFA has been accused of breaching its own competition rules by including two Mexican clubs under a single ownership structure. Club León and Club de Fútbol Pachuca both qualified by winning the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Liga Deportiva Alajuelense from Costa Rica has lodged a legal complaint urging FIFA to disqualify one of the clubs to maintain competitive integrity. FIFA’s response has been to block Alajuelense from engaging in potential legal action.

What Will Be the Impact on Domestic Football?

Concerns persist that the financial rewards available to participating clubs could disrupt domestic football, particularly affecting smaller nations where the monetary implications of the prize money are likely to be significant.

Manchester City had sought permission from the Premier League to delay the 2025-26 season by two weeks to allow for adequate recovery time after the tournament, a request that was ultimately denied.