Club World Cup 2025: Teams, Format, Fixtures & Draw Details

Introduction to the New FIFA Club World Cup Format

The FIFA Club World Cup is set to undergo a significant transformation in 2025 with an expanded format featuring 32 teams. This new approach aims to enhance the competition's global appeal and has several Premier League teams poised to participate. This article will dive into the details of the revamped tournament, including its structure, qualification process, and key information for fans eager to understand what lies ahead.

What is the Club World Cup?

The FIFA Club World Cup was originally held annually, featuring just seven teams from various continents. This tournament included champions from continental competitions such as the UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and others. However, in December 2022, FIFA announced a shift to a new format set to begin in 2025, featuring:

• 32 club teams
• Every four years

This expansion aligns more closely with the FIFA World Cup's structure, enhancing the international club competition's prestige.

Club World Cup Scheduling and Location

The next iteration of the Club World Cup is scheduled to take place over a 29-day period during the summer of 2025. Key dates include:

• Start Date: June 15, 2025
• Final: July 13, 2025

The tournament will be hosted in the United States, utilizing 12 prominent stadiums across various cities, including:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
• Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte)
• TQL Stadium (Cincinnati)
• Rose Bowl Stadium (Los Angeles)
• Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
• GEODIS Park (Nashville)
• Camping World Stadium (Orlando)
• Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
• Lumen Field (Seattle)
• Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)

Qualification Criteria for Teams

The qualification for the new Club World Cup format sees a diverse representation from across the continents, with a total of 32 participating teams. The allocation is as follows:

• Europe: 12 teams based on UEFA Champions League performance from 2020-21 to the current season.
• South America: 6 teams based on Copa Libertadores performances.
• Asia: 4 teams from the AFC Champions League.
• Africa: 4 teams from the CAF Champions League.
• North America: 4 teams based on CONCACAF Champions League results.
• Oceania: 1 team from the OFC Champions League.
• 1 additional slot for a team from the host nation (USA).

Participating Teams in the 2025 Club World Cup

As of now, the following teams are confirmed from various confederations:

Europe

• Manchester City
• Real Madrid
• Chelsea
• Bayern Munich
• Paris Saint-Germain
• Inter Milan
• Porto
• Benfica
• Borussia Dortmund
• Juventus
• Red Bull Salzburg
• Atletico Madrid

South America

• Palmeiras
• Flamengo
• Fluminense
• River Plate
• Boca Juniors
• TBD (based on winner of 2024 Copa Libertadores)

North America

• Monterrey
• Seattle Sounders
• Leon
• Pachuca
• TBC (host nation slot)

Africa

• Al Ahly
• Wydad
• Esperance de Tunis
• Mamelodi Sundowns

Asia

• Al Hilal
• Urawa Red Diamonds
• Al Ain
• Ulsan HD

Oceania

• Auckland City

Tournament Format and Structure

The Club World Cup will adopt a format similar to the FIFA World Cup, comprising:

• Eight groups of four teams
• Top two teams from each group progress to the knockout stages
• Subsequent rounds include quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final
• No third-place playoff will be held

When is the Draw?

The draw for the 2025 Club World Cup is scheduled to take place in December 2024, setting the stage for this monumental event in global football.

Conclusion

The revamped FIFA Club World Cup promises an exciting new chapter for club football, increasing the stakes and providing fans with thrilling matchups among the world's best teams. Be sure to stay tuned for the draw and keep an eye on your favorite clubs as they vie for a spot in this prestigious tournament!