In a bold move to elevate the status and excitement surrounding club football, FIFA has announced a significant expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup starting in 2025. This shift will see the tournament grow from its traditional 7-team format to an impressive 32 teams, a move that mirrors the format of the prestigious FIFA World Cup for national teams. The expansion is set to increase the tournament’s global appeal and provide a stage for more clubs from different regions to compete on the world’s biggest stage.
This article explores the details of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, including the participating teams, their regions, the host country, and the overall tournament structure.
A Historic Change: From 7 to 32 Teams
The FIFA Club World Cup was first launched in 2000 and has since evolved into a tournament that determines the best football club in the world each year. Up until 2024, the competition typically featured 7 teams: the winners of the six continental confederations’ top club competitions, plus the league champions of the host nation.
However, in 2025, FIFA will revolutionize the tournament by increasing the number of competing teams to 32, turning the competition into a more grandiose event that mirrors the structure of the FIFA World Cup. This move comes as part of FIFA’s broader strategy to enhance the visibility of club football and create a truly global club competition that garners attention from football fans worldwide.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Format
With 32 teams competing, the format of the tournament will be entirely revamped. Here’s what to expect:
Group Stage:
- 32 clubs will be divided into 8 groups of 4 teams each.
- Each team will play a round-robin format within their group, meaning every team will play 3 matches.
- The top 2 teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.
Knockout Stage:
- The Round of 16 will see 16 clubs compete in a single-elimination format.
- Winners will advance to the Quarterfinals, followed by the Semifinals, and finally, the Final.
- Unlike previous editions, the knockout rounds will see an intense battle among the best clubs in the world, promising thrilling matches.
Duration:
The 2025 edition is expected to run for approximately three weeks, allowing ample time for group stage matches and the knockout rounds.
Host Country: The United States
The United States has been confirmed as the host nation for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, marking the first time the country will host this prestigious tournament. With its world-class infrastructure and growing passion for soccer, the U.S. is well-positioned to deliver a remarkable experience for fans and players alike.
The U.S. has a proven track record in hosting major football tournaments, including the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and it will also co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas are expected to be potential venues for the matches, providing a fitting stage for the world’s best clubs.
Which teams have qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Of the 32 places available at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, 30 have now been filled.
Al Ahly (EGY) – 2020/21, 2022/23 and 2023/24 CAF Champions League
Wydad (MAR) – 2021/22 CAF Champions League
ES Tunis (TUN) – CAF ranking pathway
Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) – CAF ranking pathway
Al Hilal (KSA) – 2021 AFC Champions League
Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) – 2022 AFC Champions League
Al Ain (UAE) – 2023/24 AFC Champions League
Ulsan HD FC (KOR) – AFC ranking pathway
Chelsea (ENG) – 2020/21 UEFA Champions League
Real Madrid (ESP) – 2021/22 and 2023/24 UEFA Champions League
Manchester City (ENG) – 2022/23 UEFA Champions League
Bayern Munich (GER) – UEFA ranking pathway
Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) – UEFA ranking pathway
Inter Milan (ITA) – UEFA ranking pathway
Porto (POR) – UEFA ranking pathway
Benfica (POR) – UEFA ranking pathway
Borussia Dortmund (GER) – UEFA ranking pathway
Juventus (ITA) – UEFA ranking pathway
Atletico Madrid (ESP) – UEFA ranking pathway
FC Salzburg (AUT) – UEFA ranking pathway
Monterrey (MEX) – 2021 Concacaf Champions Cup
Seattle Sounders (USA) – 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup
Club Leon (MEX) – 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup
Pachuca (MEX) – 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup
Auckland City (NZL) – OFC ranking pathway
Palmeiras (BRA) – 2021 CONMEBOL Libertadores
Flamengo (BRA) – 2022 CONMEBOL Libertadores
Fluminense (BRA) – 2023 CONMEBOL Libertadores
River Plate (ARG) – CONMEBOL ranking pathway
Boca Juniors (ARG) – CONMEBOL ranking pathway
Regional Representation: A Truly Global Tournament
One of the most significant aspects of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is its global representation. FIFA aims to make the tournament inclusive by providing more slots for teams from different continents. Here’s a breakdown of how the 32 teams will be allocated across the six confederations:
- UEFA (Europe):
- Europe will receive the largest allocation, with 12 teams expected to participate. This reflects the dominance of European clubs in international competitions, as teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City have consistently performed at the highest level.
- CONMEBOL (South America):
- South America, home to some of the most successful clubs like Flamengo, Boca Juniors, and River Plate, will have 6 teams competing in the tournament. South American clubs have a rich history in world football, and their passionate fan bases will add to the tournament’s excitement.
- AFC (Asia):
- Asia’s presence in the tournament will be bolstered, with four teams, probably Al Hilal, and Urawa Red Diamonds, representing the continent. With the growing strength of leagues in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, AFC clubs will be looking to make a mark on the global stage.
- CAF (Africa):
- African football has continued to grow, and the CAF will send 4 teams to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Clubs like Al Ahly and Esperance have enjoyed continental dominance, and they will now have the chance to test their mettle against the best from around the world.
- CONCACAF (North and Central America, Caribbean):
- The CONCACAF region, which includes North and Central America as well as the Caribbean, will also have 4 teams in the competition. Clubs like Club América and LAFC could represent the region, looking to prove that football in this part of the world is rapidly on the rise.
- OFC (Oceania):
- Oceania will have 1 team participating, likely the winner of the OFC Champions League. While the region is considered an underdog, this provides an opportunity for smaller clubs to compete on the world stage.
- Host Nation:
- The host country, the United States, will also have 1 team competing, most likely the champion of Major League Soccer (MLS). With the growth of MLS in recent years, a U.S. club will look to take advantage of home support to challenge the giants of world football.
The Global Impact of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
The expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 will have several significant impacts on global football:
Elevating Club Football:
The tournament will offer global exposure to clubs from continents that traditionally don’t get much attention. For clubs in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, this is a golden opportunity to compete against European and South American powerhouses on the same stage. It will also increase interest in football in regions where the sport is still growing.
Commercial and Financial Benefits:
With more teams, more matches, and a longer tournament, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will also be a commercial goldmine. Broadcast rights, sponsorship deals, and ticket sales will skyrocket, bringing in revenue not just for FIFA, but also for participating clubs. Clubs that perform well could significantly boost their brand recognition on a global scale.
Strengthening Club Competitions:
The increased competitiveness will push clubs to strengthen their squads, as winning the FIFA Club World Cup will carry more prestige than ever before. This could lead to even more investment in player transfers and development, as clubs aim to compete with the best.
Potential Teams to Watch
While the list of qualified teams won’t be finalized until closer to the tournament, several clubs are expected to feature in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup based on recent performances:
- Real Madrid (Spain) – The most successful club in the competition’s history.
- Manchester City (England) – Recent UEFA Champions League winners.
- Flamengo (Brazil) – One of South America’s top clubs.
- Al Ahly (Egypt) – The dominant force in African club football.
- Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) – AFC Champions League regulars.
These teams will likely be joined by rising stars from Africa, Asia, and North America, making for a more balanced and unpredictable tournament.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Club Football
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to be a landmark event in football history. With 32 teams from across the globe, hosted by the United States, and a format that allows more clubs to compete than ever before, it promises to be a thrilling and highly competitive tournament. This expansion is more than just about numbers—it’s about giving every region of the world a voice and an opportunity to showcase the best of their club football on the world stage.
The excitement and anticipation surrounding this event will only grow as we get closer to 2025, and fans around the world will be eager to see which club will emerge as the first champion of this expanded format
