The FIFA Club World Cup is set to undergo a significant change starting in 2025, expanding to 32 teams from its previous 7-team format. This revamped competition will be held every four years, with the inaugural edition taking place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025. The draw for the tournament has already been completed, and teams have learned their group stage opponents.
Key Changes to the FIFA Club World Cup:
- Expanded Format: The competition will now feature 32 teams, an increase from the previous 7, and will occur once every four years. This is a shift from the annual format.
- Regional Representation: Clubs from all six football confederations will participate, ensuring global representation. The largest contingent will come from Europe, with 12 teams qualifying for the tournament.
- Group Stage: The 32 teams will be split into eight groups of four, with each team playing one match against every other team in their group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds. There will be no third-place play-off, streamlining the competition structure.
Participating Teams:
- European Clubs: Among the most notable teams are Manchester City, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, with Manchester City being the recent champions of the UEFA Champions League. Other European powerhouses like Bayern Munich and Juventus also qualified.
- South American Teams: River Plate and Flamengo will represent South America, with the latter also featuring in Group D alongside Chelsea.
- MLS and Other Leagues: Major League Soccer (MLS) will be represented by Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, while Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, and Argentine club Boca Juniors, are other major names participating.
- African and Asian Clubs: African clubs like Al Ahly and Esperance Sportive de Tunisie will compete, and Asian teams like Urawa Red Diamonds and Al Hilal are also part of the competition.
Tournament Structure:
- The tournament will start with group-stage matches, where each team will play the others in its group once.
- The top two teams from each group will qualify for the knockout rounds, leading to the eventual final.
- The competition will feature matches in different locations in the United States, with the opening match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and the final set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
This new format promises to elevate the profile of the FIFA Club World Cup and ensure a broader global appeal, attracting teams from around the world, including both historical giants and emerging clubs.