The countdown to the historic FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has begun. Scheduled to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the revamped tournament will feature 32 teams for the first time, making it the biggest edition in the competition’s history.
Here’s everything you need to know about the tournament, including key dates, teams, venues, and format.
Key Dates:
- Start Date: June 15, 2025
- Final: July 13, 2025
Host Nation:
- United States of America – FIFA selected the U.S. due to its infrastructure and readiness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Participating Clubs (Selected):
The competition will include continental champions from 2021 to 2024, as well as top-ranking clubs from various confederations:
- Europe (UEFA): Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, Benfica, Atlético Madrid
- South America (CONMEBOL): Flamengo, Palmeiras, Fluminense, and the 2024 Copa Libertadores winner
- Africa (CAF): Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Espérance
- Asia (AFC): Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Ulsan Hyundai
- North America (Concacaf): Monterrey, Club León, Seattle Sounders
- Oceania (OFC): Auckland City
- Host slot (USA): One MLS club, likely New York City FC, as highest ranked from the host nation
Venues:
FIFA is expected to use major U.S. stadiums including:
- SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)
- MetLife Stadium (New Jersey)
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- AT&T Stadium (Dallas)
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
An official stadium list will be released soon.
Tournament Format:
- 8 groups of 4 teams
- Top 2 from each group advance to the Round of 16
- Single-leg knockout matches from Round of 16 to Final
- No third-place playoff
What FIFA Said:
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, described the 2025 edition as a “game-changer for global club football,” aimed at bringing more visibility to clubs outside Europe and South America.
