The 2025 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup represents a watershed moment in the history of club football. For the first time, the tournament features 32 teams in a structure similar to the FIFA World Cup. The shift from a 7-team event to a full-fledged global championship signals FIFA’s ambition to elevate club competition beyond continental boundaries. Scheduled from June 14 to July 13, 2025, the tournament is hosted across 12 U.S. cities—positioning the United States as a growing epicenter for world football.

The Tournament Structure

The expanded format includes 8 groups of 4 teams, mirroring the conventional international World Cup. Teams compete in round-robin group stages, with the top two from each group advancing to the Round of 16. The knockout phase will proceed through quarter-finals and semi-finals, culminating in the final match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 13. This new structure ensures each club plays a minimum of three matches and introduces a far more competitive landscape compared to previous editions.

Clubs, Contenders, and Absences

This inaugural expanded edition hosts champions from every continent, including powerhouses such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Milan. South American giants Flamengo and River Plate are also set to compete. Inter Miami, the host club, opened the tournament with a goalless draw against African champions Al Ahly, demonstrating both the global fan interest and the competitive unpredictability of the tournament.

Notably, Club León of Mexico was removed from participation due to regulatory issues related to ownership rules, and their place was awarded to LAFC, representing CONCACAF. The competition's integrity and readiness have been under intense scrutiny, yet the quality of teams confirms its elite status.

Host Cities and Venues

The matches are being played across prominent U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Washington DC, Charlotte, Orlando, Nashville, Cincinnati, and Boston. Each venue is equipped to handle large-scale international events, and the tournament also acts as a soft trial for FIFA’s preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Broadcasting and Global Reach

The broadcasting infrastructure for this tournament is equally historic. FIFA partnered with several international networks to ensure broad access to matches. DAZN holds global streaming rights and is offering free-to-air coverage in many countries. 

In the United Kingdom, selected matches are available on Channel 5. In the U.S., viewers can access games via TBS, Telemundo, and Fubo. These partnerships mark a significant commercial expansion and amplify the tournament's global footprint.

Controversies and Concerns

While the tournament marks progress in global football unification, it has also triggered criticism. Players’ unions and domestic leagues have expressed concern about match congestion and the strain on athletes’ physical well-being. 

The calendar overlaps with some clubs’ pre-season schedules, potentially affecting preparation for the regular domestic season. Despite these concerns, FIFA has maintained that the competition is a necessary evolution to ensure greater global representation in club football.

The Stakes and the Vision Ahead

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup carries a prize pool of approximately £100 million, with clubs vying not only for financial rewards but also international prestige. For clubs outside of Europe and South America, the tournament represents a rare opportunity to compete at the highest level. 

For established giants, it is a proving ground for global supremacy. With billions watching and global narratives unfolding across the U.S., this edition sets a new benchmark for what club football can aspire to be.