The FIFA Club World Cup has always promised to crown the world’s best club team, but the revamped 2025 edition is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The tournament has sparked intense debate, from clubs threatening boycotts to scathing criticism from football’s biggest voices.
So, what’s causing the uproar? This high-stakes competition cuts straight through the players’ off-season—a critical time for rest and recovery. With packed schedules already stretching squads to their limits, the added strain of a summer tournament raises serious concerns about player fatigue, injuries, and burnout.
Originally launched in 2000 as the FIFA Club World Championship, the tournament underwent a major overhaul after 2023, adopting a World Cup-style format with 32 teams and a four-year cycle. While the expanded format promises more excitement and global appeal, it has amplified the challenges and frustrations for clubs and players alike.
With the group stage draw finalized, the stage is set for an unforgettable—but fiercely debated—competition. Will the world’s best clubs rise to the challenge, or will controversy overshadow the action on the pitch? Let’s dive into what’s at stake and the matchups we can’t wait to see.
Jump to: 1. Why Are Clubs Frustrated? 2. The new Club World Cup format 3. Teams Competing in the 2025 Club World Cup 4. How Teams Qualified for the Club World Cup 5. Where and When the Action Unfolds 6. What’s at Stake: Glory, Trophies, and Legacy
This tournament should be a showcase of the world’s best clubs, but many participants are frustrated with the new Club World Cup format. Let’s dive into why this tournament is shrouded in controversy!
The expanded format has drawn sharp criticism, with concerns about player fatigue, especially for those participating in international tournaments running late into the year. This fatigue risks more injuries and could disrupt clubs’ preparations for the next season. FIFA’s unilateral decision on the format and schedule has only fueled the controversy. For many top clubs, FIFA’s financial incentives were the final straw. The rewards don’t justify the risks of playing significantly more matches. Carlos Ancelotti, the world-renowned Real Madrid manager, weighed in on the issue, stating:
“FIFA can forget about it, players and clubs will not participate in that tournament. A single match for Real Madrid is worth 20 million, and FIFA wants to give us that amount for the entire cup. Negative. Like us, other clubs will refuse the invitation.”
But what exactly does this new format mean for the Club World Cup? Let’s break down how it’s set to shake up the competition.
Much has changed since the tournament’s last edition in 2023. The 2025 Club World Cup will feature 32 teams competing across 12 stadiums in various U.S. cities. The lineup includes 12 clubs from Europe, 6 from South America, 4 each from Asia, Africa and North/Central America, and 1 from Oceania, and the host nation’s representative, the United States. The format expansion is aimed to boost global interest in the sport by putting more teams in the spotlight.
The format divides teams into eight groups of four, with each club playing three round-robin matches. The top two from each group will advance to the round of 16, culminating in a final to crown the FIFA Club World Cup champion. Now, the big question: which clubs are participating?
The matchups for the FIFA Club World Cup group stage are set. The 2025 Club World Cup is packed with powerhouse clubs and exciting underdog entries. The likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Manchester City will bring their star-studded rosters to the competition, while teams like Auckland City, Al Ahly, and Mamelodi Sundowns are ready to prove they belong on the world stage. With a mix of global giants and hungry challengers, this tournament promises thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. Who will rise to the top?
Check out the table below for more details!
|
Club |
Country |
|---|---|
|
Palmeiras |
Brazil |
|
Portugal |
|
|
United States |
|
|
Al Ahly |
Egypt |
|
Club |
Country |
|---|---|
|
Spain |
|
|
France |
|
|
Seattle Sounders |
United States |
|
Botafogo |
Brazil |
|
Club |
Country |
|---|---|
|
Bayern Munich |
Germany |
|
Auckland City |
New Zealand |
|
Benfica |
Portugal |
|
Boca Juniors |
Argentina |
|
Club |
Country |
|---|---|
|
Flamengo |
Brazil |
|
Espérance Tunis |
Tunisia |
|
England |
|
|
Club León |
Mexico |
|
Club |
Country |
|---|---|
|
River Plate |
Argentina |
|
Urawa |
Japan |
|
Italy |
|
|
Monterrey |
Mexico |
|
Club |
Country |
|---|---|
|
Fluminense |
Brazil |
|
Borussia Dortmund |
Germany |
|
Ulsan |
South Korea |
|
Mamelodi Sundowns |
South Africa |
|
Club |
Country |
|---|---|
|
England |
|
|
Wydad |
Morocco |
|
Al Ain |
United Arab Emirates |
|
Italy |
|
Club |
Country |
|---|---|
|
Spain |
|
|
Al-Hilal |
Saudi Arabia |
|
Pachuca |
Mexico |
|
RB Salzburg |
Austria |
The 2025 Club World Cup will feature the top clubs from six major international confederations: AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA. Teams earned their spot in three ways: by winning their continental championship, through rankings, or by securing the host nation slot.
Over the past four seasons, clubs racked up points through wins, draws, and deep runs in their continental competitions. UEFA teams used their established ranking system, while other confederations followed a similar structure to determine which clubs earned their place on the global stage. Now, let’s look at where and when all the action will unfold.
Planning to catch a game live? From June 15 to July 13, 2025, over 63 matches will take place across the United States, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New York. Will you be there? Check the table below for full details!
|
Stadium |
City & State |
|---|---|
|
Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
Atlanta, Georgia |
|
TQL Stadium |
Cincinnati, Ohio |
|
Bank of America Stadium |
Charlotte, North-Carolina |
|
Rose Bowl Stadium |
Los Angeles, Californië |
|
Hard Rock Stadium |
Miami, Florida |
|
GEODIS Park |
Nashville, Tennessee |
|
MetLife Stadium |
New York, New York |
|
Camping World Stadium |
Orlando, Florida |
|
Inter&Co Stadium |
Orlando, Florida |
|
Lincoln Financial Field |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|
Lumen Field |
Seattle, Washington |
|
Audi Field |
Washington D.C, Washington |
The 2025 Club World Cup isn’t just about the trophy—it’s about legacy. Winning the prestigious cup means cementing a club’s place among the world’s elite. Especially for clubs from smaller regions, this tournament is a chance to prove that they can compete with the best on a global stage. For them, the cup represents more than just victory—it’s a symbol of hard-earned success and the ultimate achievement to take home to their country. Will we see a David vs. Goliath story unfold this tournament or will the European giants be too much for the smaller teams?
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Now that the regular season is still ongoing, there’s nothing stopping you from planning your ideal football trip! Choose matches from your favorite clubs, book a hotel (optional), and start counting down!
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