6 Facts You Should Know About FIFA Club World Cup 2025
The much-anticipated draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will take place this Thursday in Miami, where the first-round groups for the 32 participating teams will be unveiled.
Hence, Osun Defender presents six key facts about the expanded global football spectacle, set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025:
1. A Tournament with History
The idea of crowning the world’s best club team dates back over 60 years. Initially, the Intercontinental Cup, introduced in 1960, saw European and South American champions go head-to-head, with Real Madrid winning the first edition.
FIFA formalized the competition in 2000, hosting an eight-team tournament in Brazil. Now, the 2025 edition will feature a record-breaking 32 teams, marking a historic milestone for global club football.
2. Who’s Playing
The tournament will host 32 teams: 12 from Europe, six from South America, and four each from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean).
Oceania will have one representative, and host nation USA will be represented by Inter Miami. Among the European contenders are Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, while South American teams include Palmeiras, Flamengo, and River Plate. African giants Al Ahly, Wydad, and Mamelodi Sundowns are also in the mix.
3. Host Cities and Venues
The tournament will be played across 12 venues in the United States, showcasing some of the country’s finest stadiums. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will host the opening match, while the grand finale will be held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Other venues include Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Seattle’s Lumen Field, and Pasadena’s iconic Rose Bowl Stadium.
4. Tournament Format
The structure mirrors the FIFA World Cup format used from 1998 to 2022. The 32 teams will be divided into eight groups of four for the group stage. The top two from each group will progress to the Round of 16, leading to single-elimination knockout rounds until the final. Notably, there will be no third-place playoff.
5. A First of Its Kind
The 2025 edition will be the first time the FIFA Club World Cup expands to include 32 teams, offering a truly global competition on a scale never seen before in club football.
It promises to bring together the best of world football, with increased stakes and excitement for fans worldwide.
6. A New Era for Club Football
This tournament marks a significant evolution in club football, offering teams from across continents a larger stage to compete for the title of the world’s best. It’s a chance for fans to witness clashes of style, culture, and tactics as clubs vie for the ultimate glory.
The countdown to June 2025 begins, and with it, the promise of a tournament that will redefine the global club football experience.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
