The 21st FIFA Club World Cup commences this Saturday, June 14, in the United States and signals the start of one of the biggest tournaments in world club football. Hosted by FIFA, the mega event unites 32 of the world’s best clubs to fight it out on the pitch for the championship of champions.
Grand Opening Match: Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly
The tournament will kick off with a much-awaited encounter between Inter Miami CF, the host country’s ambassador, and Al Ahly SC, Egypt’s football behemoth. The encounter will establish the tone for a month-long extravaganza of world-class football action.
Matches Scheduled Across 11 U.S. Cities
FIFA has announced that the tournament games shall be hosted in 11 U.S. cities, which are all set to welcome thousands of supporters from all over the globe. The venues selected are:
Pasadena
East Rutherford
Charlotte
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Seattle
Miami Gardens
Orlando
Nashville
Cincinnati
Washington D.C.
This multi-city format aims to captivate fans nationwide as well as highlight the international appeal of club football.
Tournament Duration and Final Match
The Club World Cup will crown its champion from June 14 to July 13, 2025, with the final being played at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The stage will be set for the next club world champion in front of the world’s fans.
32 Top Teams Vie for World Glory
For the first time ever, the FIFA Club World Cup is expanding to feature 32 elite clubs, marking a historic new era for the tournament. The teams have qualified for their performances in domestic and continental competitions, and this is one of the most competitive editions ever.
Defending Champions: Manchester City Seeks Second Success
Manchester City, the English giants of the Premier League, will be defending their title in this installment. The club won the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup championship by thrashing Brazil’s Fluminense FC with a dominating 4-0 score in the final. Pep Guardiola’s team is coming back with high aspirations of holding on to their crown.
Most Successful Club: Real Madrid’s Dominance
Real Madrid stands as the most successful club in FIFA Club World Cup history, holding an unmatched record with five championship titles to their name. They are again in the limelight as top contenders in this augmented global tournament.
Full List of Participating Clubs
Below are the 32 participating clubs for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, one from each continent:
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Full Lineup of Participating Teams by Region
The expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 brings together 32 of the world’s most elite football clubs, representing every continent. Here’s a unique breakdown of the qualified teams by region:
Europe’s Elite Contenders
Europe is fielding a formidable roster of top-tier clubs:
England: Manchester City, Chelsea
Germany: Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund
Italy: Juventus, Inter Milan
Spain: Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid
Portugal: Benfica, Porto
Austria: Red Bull Salzburg
South America’s Powerhouses
South America sends some of its most decorated and passionate sides:
Brazil: Palmeiras, Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense
Argentina: Boca Juniors, River Plate
North & Central American Challengers
Clubs from CONCACAF are ready to make a mark on the global stage:
USA: Inter Miami, LAFC (Los Angeles FC), Seattle Sounders
Mexico: Monterrey, Pachuca
Africa’s Top Representatives
Africa’s strongest clubs are primed to compete at the highest level:
Egypt: Al Ahly
Tunisia: Espérance de Tunis
Morocco: Wydad AC
South Africa: Mamelodi Sundowns
Asian Heavyweights
Asia’s finest bring skill, experience, and ambition:
Saudi Arabia: Al Hilal
UAE: Al Ain
Japan: Urawa Red Diamonds
South Korea: Ulsan HD
Oceania’s Lone Star
Oceania will be represented by its perennial champions:
New Zealand: Auckland City
Special Entrant
France: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) earns a spot as a global football giant
This star-studded lineup guarantees thrilling matches and varied footballing styles during the tournament.
What Makes the 2025 Edition Special?
The 2025 Club World Cup represents a historic change in tournament format. Ditching the 7-team format and switching to a 32-team World Cup-style event, FIFA is looking to provide club football with a global platform, similar to the FIFA World Cup for nations.
Increased number of teams, games, and thrill
Increased fan engagement across the globe
Increased commercial and broadcasting appeal
Conclusion: A Month of World-Class Football Awaits
With celebrity-studded teams, world-renowned clubs, and international followers eager to cheer them on, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is going to be an iconic tournament. Held for the first time in the United States on this scale, it is going to redefine global club football’s future.
Catch daily match reports, analysis, and highlights as the path to the Club World Champion unfolds!