By Martin Graham | 6th Dec 2024
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is taking shape after the tournament draw was finalized, bringing renewed attention to the long-awaited reformatted competition. Initially scheduled to debut in China in 2021, the expanded format was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it now promises an action-packed summer in the United States.
The new iteration, however, has not been without its detractors. Critics have pointed out the absence of several high-profile clubs and some surprising participants. Despite these controversies, the tournament’s global format and unique qualification process aim to showcase talent from every continent.
Format and group composition
The expanded tournament features 32 teams divided into eight groups, with no more than one club from the same confederation allowed per group – except for UEFA, which fields 12 teams. As a result, four groups include two European clubs. Teams earned their spots through continental victories over the past four years or high rankings within their respective confederations, with a maximum of two clubs per country. Inter Miami represents the host nation as one of the qualified teams.
Here is how the groups shape up:
Group A: Palmeiras (BRA), Porto (POR), Al Ahly (EGY), Inter Miami (USA)
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Atletico Madrid (ESP), Botafogo (BRA), Seattle Sounders (USA)
Group C: Bayern Munich (GER), Auckland City (NZL), Boca Juniors (ARG), Benfica (POR)
Group D: Flamengo (BRA), Esperance de Tunis (TUN), Chelsea (ENG), Leon (MEX)
Group E: River Plate (ARG), Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN), Monterrey (MEX), Inter (ITA)
Group F: Fluminense (BRA), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Ulsan Hyundai (KOR), Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)
Group G: Manchester City (ENG), Wydad (MAR), Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (ITA)
Group H: Real Madrid (ESP), Al Hilal (KSA), Pachuca (MEX), Red Bull Salzburg (AUT)
With 63 matches spread across these groups, the competition is expected to produce a winner from Europe or South America, though teams from other regions will look to upset the odds.
Tournament details
The United States will host the reimagined Club World Cup, with matches scheduled between June 15 and July 13, 2025. A dozen stadiums in 11 cities have been selected, promising a memorable summer for fans worldwide. Notable venues include the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, both of which boast rich football histories. Other host cities include Charlotte, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle, Miami, Orlando, Nashville, Cincinnati, and Washington, D.C.
This revamped Club World Cup marks a new era for global club football, offering a fresh take on international competition and showcasing the sport’s global reach.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
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