FIFA's New Squad Regulations for Club World Cup 2025

Club World Cup 2025: New Regulations for Strongest Squads

The upcoming 2025 Club World Cup promises to elevate club football to new heights, with FIFA expanding the tournament to feature 32 teams. Scheduled to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the tournament will require participating clubs to field their strongest squads, ensuring a competitive and thrilling atmosphere.

Key Regulations for Participating Clubs

FIFA has enacted stringent regulations that emphasize the necessity for clubs to put forth their best players. Notably, the only English clubs participating are Manchester City and Chelsea. According to FIFA rules, clubs will not be allowed to release players during this peak period, obligating them to field their top talents even after a long season of domestic and European play.

Transfer Window for Squad Strengthening

To bolster squad strengths, FIFA will permit the member associations of all participating teams to open their transfer windows from June 1-10, 2025. This allows clubs to register new signings before the tournament commences. Furthermore, clubs may also replace players during a restricted in-competition period from June 27 to July 3, ensuring that teams can adapt to any last-minute challenges.

Player Contract Extensions

Players whose contracts expire on June 30, 2025, will be able to extend their deals until July 13, enabling them to participate fully in the tournament. For instance, if Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City has yet to extend his contract by that date, he will still be eligible to play.

A Level Playing Field

One of the key objectives of these regulations is to level the playing field for all clubs participating in the tournament. Players will not be permitted to represent more than one club during the Club World Cup. Additionally, appearances in this tournament will not count against the limit of three clubs a player can represent in a single season.

Background on the Club World Cup

Historically, the Club World Cup was held annually in December, featuring the winners of continental competitions. However, FIFA decided to transform the tournament into a quadrennial event resembling the FIFA World Cup's format.

Format of the 2025 Club World Cup

• The 32 teams will be divided into eight groups of four.
• The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.
• The knockout stage will include quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, but there will be no third-place playoff.

Participating Teams

As of now, the following teams have qualified for the tournament:

Europe

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

Oceania

• Auckland City

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

Conclusion

The 2025 Club World Cup is shaping up to be a thrilling event, showcasing the world's best clubs. With new regulations in place to ensure competitiveness, fans can expect an exhilarating tournament this summer.