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The draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is in the books, giving fans a full slate of matchups they can start preparing for when the event begins on June 14.
This marks the first time the event will be held in the United States. It will also be the first Club World Cup to feature 32 clubs from AFC, CAF, Concacaf, CONMEBOL, OFC and UEFA. The U.S. also received one slot as the host country.
The clubs were drawn into eight groups of four, with the top two finishers in each group advancing to the knockout round.
Here is the full schedule of dates, games and host cities for the entire tournament.
Group A: Al Ahly Egypt vs. Inter Miami, 8 p.m. ET (Miami)
… (repeating for all group matchups and knockout matches)
The plan to expand the Club World Cup with 24 teams was originally supposed to happen in 2021, but those plans were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past three years, the Club World Cup has been played with seven clubs participating each time. FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed his excitement for the expanded tournament during a draw in Miami, emphasizing the opportunity it provides for clubs and players from around the world to compete on a global stage.
Infantino stated, “Any club, no matter where they are from, can aspire to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. And any player, regardless of their nationality, can dream of playing for one of these top clubs because they represent the best in the world.”
The upcoming 32-team tournament will feature 12 European clubs, six from South America, four from other continents, one from Oceania, and two from North America. This diverse lineup will determine the best club in the world for the first time in history, showcasing competition at the highest level.
Manchester City, as the reigning champion, will defend their title in the 2025 Club World Cup after their victory over Fluminense in the 2023 final. The tournament will span 10 days and include a total of seven games, maintaining an intense and exciting atmosphere.
Following the format of the traditional World Cup, which has featured 32 teams since 1998, the Club World Cup will offer fans and players alike a thrilling and competitive experience. Additionally, the tournament will serve as a valuable preparation for the United States as they gear up to host the 2026 World Cup.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the semifinals and finals of the Club World Cup, providing a glimpse of what is to come for the 2026 World Cup. The prestigious venue will also hold the final match of the 2026 World Cup, further solidifying its importance in the world of soccer.
