FIFA Club World Cup: When it starts and which teams are playing in soccer's new-look tournament

 

The FIFA Club World Cup is set to usher in a bold new chapter for club soccer, with its expanded 32-team format debuting on June 14, 2025, in the United States. Running until July 13, 2025, this revamped tournament promises high-stakes competition, showcasing the world’s elite clubs across 12 iconic stadiums. From Inter Miami’s opener against Al Ahly to the grand final at MetLife Stadium, here’s everything you need to know about soccer’s new-look global showdown.

A Supersized Tournament

Gone is the compact seven-team format of old. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held every four years, now mirrors the FIFA World Cup’s structure (1998–2022), featuring 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. The top two teams from each group advance to a single-elimination knockout phase, culminating in the final. With 63 matches over a month, the tournament is a massive leap in scale, designed to crown the undisputed king of club soccer.

The schedule kicks off with the group stage (June 14–26), followed by the Round of 16 (June 28–July 1), quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final on July 13. Notably, there’s no third-place play-off, keeping the focus on the championship match. Venues include world-class arenas like Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), the Rose Bowl (Pasadena), and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), ensuring a spectacle for fans across the U.S.

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The Teams: A Global Lineup

The 32 participants represent FIFA’s six confederations, with slots allocated based on continental success: UEFA (12), CONMEBOL (6), AFC (4), CAF (4), CONCACAF (4), OFC (1), and the host nation (1). Qualification primarily rewards winners of major club competitions (e.g., UEFA Champions League, CONMEBOL Libertadores) from 2021 to 2024, with additional spots determined by a four-year club ranking.

Here’s the group-stage lineup:

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

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 de Tunis (Tunisia), Chelsea (England), Los Angeles FC (USA)

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

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

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

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

Manchester City enter as defending champions, having dominated Fluminense 4-0 in the 2023 final. European heavyweights like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea are joined by South American giants such as Boca Juniors and Flamengo, alongside rising forces like Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal and Egypt’s Al Ahly. The inclusion of Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, as the host representative has sparked debate, given their MLS Supporters’ Shield win didn’t secure the MLS Cup, the traditional marker of the league champion.

Opening Match and Key Fixtures

The tournament begins on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium, where Inter Miami face Al Ahly in a primetime clash at 8:00 PM EDT. The group stage promises thrilling encounters, such as Manchester City vs. Juventus in Group G and Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal in Group H. The knockout rounds will intensify the drama, with the final at MetLife Stadium poised to be a global spectacle.

Controversy

The expanded Club World Cup hasn’t been without criticism. Players’ unions like FIFPRO have raised concerns about fixture congestion and player welfare, arguing the added matches exacerbate an already packed calendar. UEFA and CONMEBOL clubs dominate the field, with 18 of the 32 slots, reflecting their financial and competitive clout, but the inclusion of teams like Auckland City (OFC) and Mamelodi Sundowns (CAF) underscores FIFA’s aim for global representation.

Inter Miami’s qualification as the host’s pick has also drawn scrutiny, with some arguing a traditional CONCACAF Champions League winner would’ve been a fairer choice. Nonetheless, Messi’s presence guarantees star power, likely boosting the tournament’s visibility in North America.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a statement of ambition for club soccer’s future. By bringing together the best from every corner of the globe, FIFA aims to create a truly universal competition, bridging continents and fanbases. With venues primed, teams ready, and a month of drama ahead, the stage is set for a historic summer.

 As June 14 approaches, the question looms: who will etch their name into soccer history at MetLife Stadium? The world will be watching.