The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is just around the corner, and there are quite a few changes compared to previous editions. With this revamp, FIFA aims to scale the tournament up from a relatively small competition to a world-class event. Read all about it in this article.
More Teams, More Prize Money
The biggest change is undoubtedly the expansion in the number of participating teams. Instead of the traditional format with seven teams, this year no fewer than 32 clubs will compete for the title of ‘King of the World’. This brings together some of the biggest names in global football.
Along with this expanded setup comes a drastically increased prize pool. The total prize money now amounts to an impressive $1 billion. As mentioned before, this is meant to elevate the tournament’s status and ensure that teams take it seriously.
Format
The tournament format now mirrors that of the FIFA World Cup as it was played from 1998 to 2022. The 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four. In the group stage, teams play each other once. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. From the round of 16 onward, it’s single-elimination matches all the way to the final.
Teams qualified by winning their continental trophies or by performing well in major regional events. Europe is the most represented continent with 12 teams. South America follows with six teams. Asia, Africa, North and Central America, and the Caribbean each have four teams. Oceania has only one representative, and one spot is reserved for the host nation’s domestic champion. LAF secured the final spot by winning the play-in match against Club América. Inter Miami qualified as the host club.
Where and When?
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will take place in the United States. The tournament runs from June 14 to July 13, 2025. The opening match is scheduled for June 14, when Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will face African record champions Al Ahly in ‘Magic City’. The final will be played on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will also host the final of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The tournament will take place in 12 stadiums across 11 American cities.
Favourites and Dark Horses
Who are the main contenders for this new trophy? According to experts, Real Madrid is a major favorite. With a record five Club World Cup titles and 15 Champions League titles, the Madrid side knows how to perform on the global stage. Despite a relatively disappointing domestic season, they boast a strong squad including Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid will also be under new management with Xabi Alonso at the helm, and potential reinforcements like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Nico Williams.
Other strong contenders include Paris Saint-Germain, coming off a successful season and, of course, Champions League winners. Reigning Club World Cup champions Manchester City are also expected to be in the mix, possibly viewing this tournament as a chance to bounce back after a season below their high standards. Inter Milan is seen as one of Europe’s most consistent and formidable sides over the past three years. They faced PSG in the Champions League final.
But there are also underdogs to watch out for. Possibly the Mexican side Pachuca, winners of the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, and Brazilian powerhouse Botafogo, reigning champions of both the Brazilian Série A and the Copa Libertadores, could be teams capable of pulling off surprises. Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, reinforced with ex-European stars like Rúben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrovic, is also considered a serious threat.
Key Players
Several global superstars will shine on the big stage. Kylian Mbappé is expected to be one of the standout names, following a record-breaking debut season at Real Madrid. Manchester City’s hopes partially rest on the return of Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and Player of the Tournament at the 2023 Club World Cup. Other key names include PSG’s attacking trio: Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola. Chelsea’s 17-year-old sensation Estevao Willian is also tipped as a breakout talent.
With the tournament being held in the United States, global attention will inevitably focus on Lionel Messi of Inter Miami. Many believe that the expansion of the tournament and the choice of the U.S. as host country were partly influenced by the opportunity to showcase Messi on home soil. Although Inter Miami has struggled and is unlikely to be a serious title contender, with Messi on the pitch – even at 37 – anything is possible.
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