FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Fixtures, Structure, Teams, Players, Statistics, Broadcast Details, and More

A freshly redesigned and expanded Club World Cup is set to take place this summer, with 32 teams converging in the United States for the 21st edition of this prestigious pan-continental tournament.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Schedule, format, teams, players, stats, and television coverage

In a bid to elevate the profile, status, and excitement of their premier club competition, FIFA has completely overhauled the Club World Cup’s format and structure.

The increase in teams, matches, and an impressive prize fund has sparked renewed interest in a competition that was previously seen as a burden on an already packed fixture list, especially by European clubs.

It seems FIFA’s transformation is paying off, with the 2025 Club World Cup garnering positive attention from fans worldwide while participating clubs eagerly anticipate substantial financial gains.

This article delves into every detail concerning the upcoming tournament – from host stadiums and match dates to qualification criteria for teams, broadcasting arrangements, and prize distributions. Additionally, we will highlight key players to keep an eye on, individual accolades at stake, and the teams most likely to claim the newly designed Club World Cup trophy.

For now, here’s a brief summary:

Kick-off date: Saturday, June 14th

Final date: Sunday, July 13th

Location: United States – various venues

Broadcasting: DAZN – exclusive international broadcaster

Prize money: While precise figures are not fully confirmed, estimates suggest the winning club could be rewarded with over $100 million, with participating teams guaranteed around $50 million.

Last champion: Manchester City (2023)

What is the FIFA Club World Cup and its objectives?

The FIFA Club World Cup brings together the strongest teams from each of FIFA’s six confederations to compete in a knockout tournament.

Traditionally, this tournament featured the six continental champions – the victors of each confederation’s most esteemed club competition – along with the reigning champions of the domestic league of the host nation. However, this will fundamentally change in 2025.

Introduced in the early 2000s, the competition has been an exciting addition to the international football calendar.

The winners of the Club World Cup can lay claim to being the world’s best team, even though certain clubs – particularly from Europe – have not always treated this tournament with the importance it deserves. FIFA anticipates a shift in this mindset due to the Club World Cup’s comprehensive revamp and hopes to see substantial engagement this year.

As stated on FIFA’s official site, the governing body aims for the tournament to be “a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride, embodying the journey of every club, player and fan united in their passion for this beautiful game”.

How will the format work?

The 2025 Club World Cup will adopt a traditional tournament structure, featuring an initial group stage followed by a series of single-leg knockout matches. This marks a departure from earlier iterations, which involved multiple preliminary rounds to determine participants for the latter stages.

Between 2005 and 2023, the tournament’s format was heavily seeded, often resulting in early rounds contested by the lowest seeds – generally those from the OFC (Oceania), AFC (Asia), and CAF (Africa) confederations – before higher-seeded teams joined in later rounds.

For instance, in the 2023 edition, Manchester City entered at the semi-final stage, while Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad began their journey two rounds earlier. This approach was designed to minimise the number of matches perceived to be predictable outcomes, filtering competitors prior to the arrival of the stronger teams.

The sole other Club World Cup run aside from this period – the inaugural competition in 2000 – featured a similar format, albeit on a smaller scale, as no previous edition has seen more than eight teams compete.

Overview of the 2025 Club World Cup format:

Group Stage: Eight groups consisting of four teams each. Each group will play a single round-robin, with the top two teams advancing to the Round of 16.

Knockout Stage: Progression from the Round of 16 through to the Final, with all matches being single-leg knockout fixtures.

Notably, there will be no third or fourth place play-off in this edition.

How did teams qualify for the new Club World Cup?

Teams secured their spots in the 2025 Club World Cup via two primary avenues. Sixteen teams (50% of the total) qualified by winning their respective prestigious continental competitions over the previous four seasons, while the remaining teams qualified based on their confederation rankings.

The host nation was granted one place, awarded to the MLS Supports’ Shield winners, Inter Miami.

Therefore, clubs that have recently won the UEFA Champions League, AFC Champions League, CAF Champions League, CONCACAF Champions Cup, or CONMEBOL Libertadores automatically fulfilled the qualification standards.

The confederation ranking system is based on a complex coefficient system that tracks a team’s performance in continental fixtures.

Teams that have participated in their confederation’s premier club competition during the last four seasons can earn coefficient points, obtained through positive match results, receiving three points for a win, one for a draw, and three for advancing to the next round.

As the group stage of the ongoing UEFA Champions League campaign (considered the fourth season within the FIFA Club World Cup qualification model) has already concluded, the existing coefficient model for Europe has been adopted for qualification purposes, with a distinct points allocation system used compared to the broader FIFA coefficient structure.

Fixture schedule and essential dates

The tournament’s opening match will take place in Florida on the evening of Saturday, June 14th, featuring local outfit Inter Miami squaring off against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium. Following this, an additional 62 matches will unfold, as the 32 teams compete through group and knockout stages over the upcoming month.

The tournament will conclude on Sunday, July 13th, with the final showdown between the two finalists at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

Group stage match fixtures

Round 1: Saturday, June 14th – Wednesday, June 18th

Round 2: Thursday, June 19th – Sunday, June 22nd

Round 3: Monday, June 23rd – Thursday, June 26th

Knockout stage match fixtures

Round of 16: Saturday, June 28th – Tuesday, July 1st

Quarter-final: Friday, July 4th – Saturday, July 5th

Semi-final: Tuesday, July 8th – Wednesday, July 9th

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final date

Final: Sunday, July 13th

Detailed: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 schedule & results.

Qualified teams and draw

A total of 32 teams will vie for the title of 2025 Club World Champions, with representation varying across FIFA-affiliated confederations.

The confederations received the following allocation of tournament places:

UEFA (Europe) – 12 slots

CONMEBOL (South America) – 6 slots

CONCACAF (North & Central America) – 4 slots

AFC (Asia) – 4 slots

CAF (Africa) – 4 slots

OFC (Oceania) – 1 slot

Hosts (USA – Inter Miami) – 1 slot

The draw occurred on Thursday, 5th December 2024, at the Telemundo Center in Miami.

The 32 participating teams were categorised into four pots, following a points-ranked seeding system. The top-ranked teams were allocated to pot 1, with subsequent sides placed in pots 2-4 based on performance. While groups are not allowed more than one representative from CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, AFC, CAF, or OFC, four groups will feature two teams from UEFA due to their larger representation.

Brazil will have the most representatives at the 2025 Club World Cup, with four clubs from Série A – Palmeiras, Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fluminense all taking part.

Groups

Group A: Palmeiras (Brazil), Porto (Portugal), Al Ahly (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA)

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (France), Atlético Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), Seattle Sounders (USA)

Group C: Bayern Munich (Germany), Auckland City (New Zealand), Boca Juniors (Argentina), Benfica (Portugal)

Group D: Flamengo (Brazil), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Chelsea (England), Club León (Mexico)

Group E: River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Monterrey (Mexico), Inter Milan (Italy)

Group F: Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan HD (Korea Rep.), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Group G: Manchester City (England), Wydad AC (Morocco), Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (Italy)

Group H: Real Madrid (Spain), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), Salzburg (Austria)

Updated: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 table

Key players to watch at the 2025 Club World Cup

An array of world-class talent will converge on American soil this summer as the brightest stars of football clash on an international platform.

While global audiences may be more familiar with the illustrious names in European leagues, players from the less-renowned teams will also be eager to leave a mark. Here’s a look at several players to watch in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup…

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

The speedy French sensation is undoubtedly among the elite of his generation, having showcased breathtaking performances in significant matches. Already a World Cup winner with numerous personal accolades, Mbappé netted his 50th UEFA Champions League goal during Real Madrid’s 3-2 triumph against Atalanta last December.

Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

Brazilian superstar Vinícius Júnior contributed two goals and provided an assist during the 2022 (played in 2023) Club World Cup finals, which bookended his scoring in both the 2022 and 2024 UEFA Champions League finals. His remarkable effort against Al Ahly in the semi-finals clinched a Man of the Match title during Real Madrid’s 5-3 victory over Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

After missing out on the 2023 Club World Cup, Erling Haaland aims to assist reigning champions Manchester City in retaining their title this summer. The Norwegian sensation shattered records as the youngest player to achieve 40 UEFA Champions League goals and is keen to top the scoring charts.

Jhon Arias (Fluminense)

With breathtaking speed, skill, and adaptability, Jhon Arias is a significant threat from multiple attacking positions. The Colombian international opened the scoring in Fluminense’s semi-final against Al Ahly during the 2023 Club World Cup, having been involved in 14 direct goal contributions in 29 Série A appearances last season.

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Often regarded as the greatest player ever to grace the game, Lionel Messi possesses the ability to conjure moments of magic at any time. An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, the Argentinian maestro has achieved everything a player possibly can.

Messi has scored in three separate Club World Cup finals, guiding his former club Barcelona to victory against South American adversaries each time. Since joining Inter Miami midway through their 2023 season, he has propelled the club to Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield triumphs.

Favourites for the tournament – predictions and odds

While bookmakers anticipate that the clubs from Europe will dominate across the Atlantic, there’s no surety that a UEFA participant will take home the trophy.

With the rapid development of the Saudi Pro League, the ongoing growth of MLS, and improvements in African domestic leagues, we could witness significant competition to the traditional hierarchy…

So, who will claim the coveted prize this summer?

Real Madrid (Spain)

The bookmakers’ top choice, Spanish giants Real Madrid, hold an illustrious legacy. With a staggering 15 UEFA Champions League titles and more Club World Cup victories than any other team, putting money on La Liga’s top team seems prudent. Current odds to win: 7/2

Manchester City (England)

Despite facing some domestic challenges, Manchester City remains a formidable title contender. Soon after securing their first European title in over fifty years, City defeated Brazilian side Fluminense to clinch the 2023 Club World Cup. Current odds to win: 9/2

Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

Representing the illustrious Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal comes in as both domestic league and cup champions. With a roster boasting players from premier European clubs, the Riyadh side could advance to the knockout phases comfortably. Current odds to win: 33/1

Palmeiras (Brazil)

Palmeiras stands as one of South America’s most triumphant teams, winning four domestic titles and three continental championships in the last five years. Their squad is rich in talent, featuring former Bayer Leverkusen attacker Paulinho and ex-Lazio winger Felipe Anderson. Current odds to win: 33/1

Inter Miami (United States)

While Lionel Messi undoubtedly garners the spotlight, other stars at Inter Miami also draw acclaim from their devoted supporters. The formidable former Barcelona quartet consisting of Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets adds considerable strength, while Finnish international Robert Taylor and experienced midfielder Julian Gressel are vital to the Herons’ goal. Coach Javier Mascherano, another figure with Barcelona ties, won the Club World Cup twice as a player. Current odds to win: 66/1

Television coverage: Where to watch or listen to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The British-headquartered entertainment platform DAZN has secured exclusive international broadcasting rights for the 2025 Club World Cup. This is a move welcomed by football fans around the globe, as DAZN will showcase all 63 matches for free through its streaming service and dedicated channels.

Audiences only need to create a DAZN account to enjoy complete coverage of the tournament, with commentary available in various languages.

Venues, host cities, and stadiums

A total of 12 venues will host matches during the 2025 Club World Cup, spanning nine states and welcoming fans from around the world. Given the growing popularity of MLS and the country’s celebrated sporting culture, the United States boasts a range of top-tier stadiums.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)

Capacity: 75,000

Opened: 2017

Matches: Set to host three group stage fixtures, two Round of 16 ties, and one quarter-final

TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Capacity: 26,000

Opened: 2021

Matches: Will feature four group stage fixtures.

Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Capacity: 75,000

Opened: 1996

Matches: Scheduled for two group stage fixtures and two Round of 16 ties

Rose Bowl Stadium (Los Angeles, California)

Capacity: 88,500

Opened: 1992

Matches: Will host six group stage fixtures

Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, Florida)

Capacity: 65,000

Opened: 1987

Matches: Scheduled for six group stage fixtures (including the opening match) and two Round of 16 matches

GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tennessee)

Capacity: 30,000

Opened: 2022

Matches: Will host three group stage fixtures

MetLife Stadium (New Jersey)

Capacity: 82,500

Opened: 2010

Matches: Scheduled to hold five group stage fixtures, one quarter-final, both semi-finals, and the final

Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)

Capacity: 65,000

Opened: 1936

Matches: Will host two group stage fixtures, one Round of 16 tie, and one quarter-final

Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando, Florida)

Capacity: 25,000

Opened: 2017

Matches: Will host two group stage matches

Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Capacity: 69,000

Opened: 2003

Matches: Scheduled for six group stage fixtures, one Round of 16 match, and one quarter-final

Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington)

Capacity: 69,000

Opened: 2002

Matches: Will host six group stage fixtures

Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)

Capacity: 20,000

Opened: 2018

Matches: Will host three group stage fixtures

History, highlights, and statistics

After years of extensive discussions and careful preparations, the first edition of the FIFA Club World Cup took place in 2000. The inaugural final saw two Brazilian sides, Corinthians and Vasco da Gama, compete on home soil.

Since then, 11 clubs have claimed the world champion title, with Real Madrid amassing the most victories. However, only five countries (Spain, Brazil, England, Italy, Germany) and two confederations (UEFA and CONMEBOL) have produced FIFA Club World Cup winners.

Historically, the tournament has frequently taken place in Asia, with Japan serving as a host on eight occasions. Three Middle Eastern nations – Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and most recently Saudi Arabia – have welcomed the event, while Morocco remains the only African nation to have hosted.

What awards are available?

While winning the competition will be the ultimate goal for all participants, players and teams will also compete for several individual accolades.

At the conclusion of the 2025 Club World Cup final, the winner of the Golden Ball and the recipients of the FIFA Fair Play Award will be announced. The Golden Ball is reserved for the tournament’s outstanding player, while the FIFA Fair Play Award goes to the team demonstrating the best disciplinary record.

The tournament will also recognise the best player from each match with the Man of the Match award.

Eleven months prior to collecting his first Ballon d’Or, Manchester City midfielder Rodri was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2023 Club World Cup. It is notable that Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player to have received the Man of the Match award in two separate Club World Cup finals. Real Madrid, the tournament’s most successful club, also holds the record for the most FIFA Fair Play Awards.

Champions and winners list

The following teams and players have achieved remarkable success in the last five editions of the FIFA Club World Cup:

2023

Winners: Manchester City (England)

Golden Ball: Rodri (Manchester City)

FIFA Fair Play Award: Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2022

Winners: Real Madrid (Spain)

Golden Ball: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

FIFA Fair Play Award: Real Madrid (Spain)

2021

Winners: Chelsea (England)

Golden Ball: Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

FIFA Fair Play Award: Chelsea (England)

2020

Winners: Bayern Munich (Germany)

Golden Ball: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

FIFA Fair Play Award: Al Duhail (Qatar)

2019

Winners: Liverpool (England)

Golden Ball: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

FIFA Fair Play Award: Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)

What prize money is up for grabs at the 2025 Club World Cup?

Thanks to its revamped format, extended global reach, and lucrative broadcasting agreements, the competition has seen a massive financial boost.

The overall prize fund has soared to an incredible $2.65 billion, up from a mere $16 million in 2023. Manchester City netted $5 million for winning the last edition of the Club World Cup, but could potentially receive a staggering $100 million should they defend their title successfully.

Reports suggest every participant will earn a minimum of $50 million for their participation in the United States this summer, a monumental return for many smaller clubs involved.

This sum is over seven times the total market value of Auckland City’s entire squad, while Mamelodi Sundowns FC would receive just over $1 million if they finish as champions in the current South African Premiership.

Sponsorship: Who are the sponsors of the 2025 Club World Cup?

The official sponsors of the competition include Belgium-based brewing giant AB InBev, financial services leader Bank of America, and electronics manufacturer Hisense.

FIFA’s existing partners will also contribute to the event, with brands such as Adidas, Aramco, Coca-Cola, Hyundai-Kia, Lenovo, Qatar Airways, and Visa all playing a role.