Man City and Juventus are drawn in the Club World Cup, while Chelsea plays Flamengo.
The FIFA Club World Cup, traditionally an annual tournament featuring the champions of each continental confederation, is set to undergo a significant transformation in 2025. Scheduled to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the competition will expand to a 32-team format, introducing a new era of global club football.
Tournament Structure and Format
The expanded tournament will feature 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. Each team will play a single round-robin match against every other team in their group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the final match to determine the world champion. This format aims to provide a more comprehensive and competitive platform for clubs worldwide.
Group Stage Draw Highlights
The draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup took place on December 5, 2024, in Miami, unveiling several intriguing matchups. Notably, defending champions Manchester City have been placed in Group G alongside Juventus, Wydad AC, and Al Ain. This group promises high-caliber football, with Manchester City and Juventus set to face off in what is anticipated to be a marquee match.
Chelsea, the 2021 champions, find themselves in Group D, where they will encounter Brazilian giants Flamengo, Mexican side Club León, and Tunisian club Esperance Sportive de Tunis. The inclusion of Flamengo adds a South American flair to the group, setting the stage for a compelling clash between European and South American footballing styles.
Notable Group Stage Matchups
- Group A: Palmeiras (Brazil), FC 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), Benfica (Portugal), Boca Juniors (Argentina), Auckland City (New Zealand)
- Group D: Flamengo (Brazil), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Chelsea (England), Club León (Mexico)
- Group E: River Plate (Argentina), Inter Milan (Italy), Monterrey (Mexico), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
- Group F: Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
- Group G: Manchester City (England), Juventus (Italy), Wydad AC (Morocco), Al Ain (UAE)
- Group H: Real Madrid (Spain), Red Bull Salzburg (Austria), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico)
These groupings set the stage for a diverse and competitive tournament, featuring clubs from all six global football confederations.
Host Nation and Opening Match
The United States will host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, marking a significant milestone in the country’s football history. The tournament will be held across 12 venues, including iconic stadiums such as the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which is slated to host the final match. The opening match is scheduled to feature Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, against Egyptian side Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Implications and Significance
The expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup to 32 teams reflects FIFA’s vision to globalize the sport and provide a platform for clubs from all continents to compete at the highest level. This new format is expected to enhance the tournament’s prestige and attract a broader international audience.
For clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea, the tournament presents an opportunity to solidify their status as global football powerhouses by competing against top-tier teams from around the world. The matchups, particularly the anticipated clash between Manchester City and Juventus, are expected to draw significant attention and showcase the best of club football.
