FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Dates, format, teams, players, stats, TV and more
Hoping to completely re-calibrate the profile, status, and spectacle of their flagship club competition, FIFA has changed the entire format and structure of the Club World Cup.
More teams, more matches, and a significantly larger prize pool have created a new buzz around a competition that has previously been dismissed as an unnecessary drain on an already bustling fixture schedule – particularly by those located in Europe.
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However, it appears FIFA’s efforts have been worthwhile. The 2025 Club World Cup is attracting positive worldwide attention from fans while participating clubs lick their lips at a potentially colossal financial reward.
We explore each and every aspect of the upcoming tournament, reviewing host stadiums, fixture dates, qualification criteria for competing teams, television coverage, and prize money. Furthermore, we’ll also provide a detailed summary of the key players to watch out for, the individual awards on offer, and the teams most likely to lift the newly designed Club World Cup trophy.
In the meantime, here’s a basic overview:
Starting date: Saturday, June 14th
Date of Final: Sunday, July 13th
Location: United States – multiple venues
TV channels: DAZN – exclusive international broadcaster
Prize money: Details yet to be fully confirmed. However, estimates suggest the winning club will receive upwards of $100 million and all participating teams can expect to earn $50 million
Last winner: Manchester City (2023)
What is the FIFA Club World Cup and its purpose?
The FIFA Club World Cup pits the strongest clubs from each of FIFA’s six confederations against one another in a standalone knockout tournament.
Historically, the Club World Cup has been contested between the six continental champions – the winners of each confederation's most prestigious club competition – and the reigning champions of the hosts’ domestic league. However, that all changes in 2025.
A relatively new addition to the international football calendar, the competition first landed at the turn of the millennium.
The winners of the Club World Cup can technically claim to be the world’s best team, although some participants – particularly of a European persuasion – haven’t always prioritised this tournament. Nevertheless, FIFA expects this attitude to radically change this year given the Club World Cup’s extensive makeover, and therefore are optimistic about what the tournament will deliver.
As explained on the international governing body’s official website, FIFA is aiming for the competition to be "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride, embodying the journey of every club, player and fan united in their passion for the beautiful game".
How does the format work?
The 2025 Club World Cup will follow a traditional tournament-based format, with an initial group stage followed by a series of one-legged knockout ties. This differs from previous Club World Cup templates, whereby a sequence of preliminary rounds would determine who competed in the latter stages.
Between 2005 and 2023, the tournament embraced a heavily-seeded structure. These rules resulted in the earlier rounds being contested by the lowest seeds – typically those representing the OFC (Oceania), AFC (Asia), and CAF (African) confederations – before the higher seeds were introduced later on.
For example, Manchester City entered the 2023 Club World Cup at the semi-final stage while the likes of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad commenced their campaign two rounds earlier. The idea here was to reduce the volume of matches with a seemingly inevitable outcome, whittling down the competitors before the strongest teams arrived.
The only other Club World Cup staged outside this timeframe – the inaugural edition of the competition in 2000 – used a similar format to what we’ll see in the United States this summer, albeit on a much-reduced scale. No previous edition of the Club World Cup has ever had more than eight competing teams.
Overview of 2025 Club World Cup format:
Group Stage: Eight groups of four teams. Each group hosts a single round-robin of fixtures. Two teams progress from each group to the Round of 16.
Knockout Stage: Round of 16 through to Final. All matches are single-leg knockout ties.
Unlike previous Club World Cups, there is no third/fourth place play-off fixture.
How did teams qualify for the new Club World Cup?
Participating teams qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup via two distinct pathways. A total of 16 (50% of) clubs qualified as a result of winning their respective flagship continental championships in one of the previous four seasons, while the vast majority of others earned their tournament berth by virtue of their confederation ranking.
The host nation was allocated one place, which was awarded to MLS Supports’ Shield victors Inter Miami.
Therefore, any team that had recently won the UEFA Champions League, the AFC Champions League, the CAF Champions League, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, or the CONMEBOL Libertadores automatically met the qualifying criteria.
The confederation ranking pathway is supported by a complex coefficient system, which charts each team’s performance in continental ties.
Those who have participated in their confederation’s most prestigious club competition over the past four seasons are eligible to receive co-efficient points, earned via positive match results. Teams receive three points for a victory, one point for a draw, and three points for progression to the next stage of the competition.
Given that the group stage of the current UEFA Champions League campaign (classed as the fourth season within FIFA’s Club World Cup qualification template) is already complete, the European confederation’s existing coefficient model has been adopted for qualification purposes.
Under this framework, teams receive a different points allocation to the amounts used in the over-arching FIFA coefficient system.
Schedule, fixtures and all-important dates
The opening fixture of the tournament will be staged in Florida on the evening of Saturday, June 14th, as locals Inter Miami entertain Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium. A further 62 matches will then follow, as the 32 teams clash in group stage and knockout round fixtures over the course of the next month.
The tournament concludes on Sunday, July 13th, when the two finalists will clash at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Group stage match fixtures
Round 1: Saturday, June 14th – Wednesday, June 18th
Round 2: Thursday, June 19th – Sunday, June 22nd
Round 3: Monday, June 23rd – Thursday, June 26th
Knockout stage match fixtures
Round of 16: Saturday, June 28th – Tuesday, July 1st
Quarter-final: Friday, July 4th – Saturday, July 5th
Semi-final: Tuesday, July 8th – Wednesday, July 9th
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final date
Final: Sunday, July 13th
Detailed: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 schedule & results.
Qualified teams and draw
A total of 32 teams will compete to be crowned 2025 Club World Champions, with a varying number of representatives from each FIFA-affiliated confederation.
The confederations received the following allocation of tournament slots:
UEFA (Europe) – 12 slots
CONMEBOL (South America) – 6 slots
CONCACAF (North & Central America) – 4 slots
AFC (Asia) – 4 slots
CAF (Africa) – 4 slots
OFC (Oceania) – 1 slot
Hosts (USA – Inter Miami) – 1 slot
The draw took place on Thursday 5th December 2024, and was hosted at the Telemundo Center in Miami.
Each of the 32 participants were divided into four pots, observing a points-ranked seeding system. The highest-ranked seeds were placed into pot 1, with the remaining sides assuming pots 2-4 in descending order of performance. Although no groups will host more than one representative from CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, AFC, CAF, or OFC confederations, there will be four groups with two UEFA-based clubs. This is due to the disproportionate number of European participants.
Brazil is the most represented nation at the 2025 Club World Cup, with four Série A clubs – Palmeiras, Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fluminense all participating.
Groups
Group A: Palmeiras (Brazil), Porto (Portugal), Al Ahly (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA)
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 Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Chelsea (England), TBC after Club Leon were expelled
Group E: River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Monterrey (Mexico), Inter Milan (Italy)
Group F: Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan HD (Korea Rep.), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Group G: Manchester City (England), Wydad AC (Morocco), Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (Italy)
Group H: Real Madrid (Spain), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), Salzburg (Austria)
Updated: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 table
Key players to watch at the 2025 Club World Cup
A deluge of world-class talent will descend on American soil this summer, as the beautiful game’s brightest stars clash on the international stage.
Although global audiences are perhaps most familiar with the big names plying their trade in Europe’s domestic leagues, players representing the competition’s less-fancied teams will also be hoping to make a big impression.
We take a look at several players to keep an eye on at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup…
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
The fleet-footed Frenchman is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of his generation, having delivered a series of dazzling displays in high-profile fixtures. Having already earned a World Cup winners medal and collected an array of personal accolades, the former PSG frontman claimed his 50th UEFA Champions League goal during Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Atalanta last December.
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Either side of scoring in the 2022 and 2024 UEFA Champions League finals, Brazilian superstar Vinícius Júnior recorded two goals and an assist in the 2022 (played in 2023) Club World Cup showpiece. After helping Carlo Ancelotti’s men oust Al Ahly in the semi-finals, the pacey forward put on a Man of the Match performance as Real Madrid secured a 5-3 victory over Saudi Arabians Al Hilal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Having missed out on appearing at the 2023 Club World Cup, Erling Haaland will be desperate to help reigning champions Manchester City retain their title this summer. The youngest player ever to reach 40 UEFA Champions League goals, the Norwegian powerhouse is aiming to conclude the competition at the summit of the scoring charts.
Jhon Arias (Fluminense)
Pacey, skilful, and extremely versatile, Jhon Arias provides a potent threat from a variety of attacking positions. The Colombian international grabbed the opener in Fluminense’s semi-final encounter with Al Ahly during the 2023 Club World Cup campaign, having registered 14 direct goal involvements in 29 Série A appearances the previous season.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Arguably the best player to ever grace a football pitch, Lionel Messi is capable of producing a flash of brilliance at any given moment. An eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, the Argentinian magician has won everything the game has to offer.
Messi has netted in three separate Club World Cup finals, helping former club Barcelona overcome South American opposition on each occasion. A breath of fresh air since arriving in Florida midway through Inter Miami’s 2023 campaign, the diminutive forward quickly inspired the Herons to Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield success.
Tournament favourites – predictions and winner odds
Although the bookmakers expect Europe’s contingent of clubs to dominate proceedings across the Atlantic, there is by means no guarantee that a UEFA representative will emerge victorious.
Given the meteoric rise of the Saudi Pro League, the continued development of the MLS, and the improving condition of Africa’s domestic league framework, we could see a significant challenge to the status quo….
So, who will scoop the ultimate prize this summer?
Real Madrid (Spain)
The sportsbooks’ favourite, Spanish giants Real Madrid boast an immensely decorated history. Having won the UEFA Champions League on a staggering 15 occasions and been crowned Club World Cup champions more times than any other team, the safe money would be on another Los Blancos triumph. To win: 7/2
Manchester City (England)
Despite their recent domestic struggles, Manchester City will still be considered strong championship contenders. Shortly after claiming a first piece of European silverware for over five decades, the Citizens defeated Brazilian outfit Fluminense to win the 2023 Club World Cup. To win: 9/2
Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Carrying the torch for the money-spinning Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal are reigning domestic league and cup champions. Having cherry-picked a fine array of players from some of Europe’s elite-level sides, the Riyadh-based outfit could easily progress to the latter stages of the tournament. In addition to Serbian pair Aleksandar Mitrović and Sergej Milinković-Savić, Head Coach Jorge Jesus can utilise the talents of former Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, Portuguese playmaker Rúben Neves, and three-time Premier League winner João Cancelo. To win: 33/1
Palmeiras (Brazil)
One of South America’s most successful teams, Palmeiras have claimed four domestic honours and three continental titles within the last five seasons alone. Blessed with several gifted technicians, ex-Bayer Leverkusen attacker Paulinho and former Lazio winger Felipe Anderson are key figures in the Alviverde’s talented squad. To win: 33/1
Inter Miami (United States)
Although Lionel Messi is understandably worshipped as a messiah, plenty of other Inter Miami stars receive the adulation of those on the Chase Stadium terraces. Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets join forces with the Argentinian legend to make an intimidating former Barcelona quartet, while Finnish international Robert Taylor – who previously had spells in the English non-league – and experienced midfielder Julian Gressel are both key to the Herons’ success.
Head Coach Javier Mascherano - another individual with close connections to the Catalan giants - won the Club World Cup on two occasions as a player. To win: 66/1
TV coverage: Where to watch or listen to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
British-based entertainment platform DAZN has been awarded exclusive international broadcasting rights to the 2025 Club World Cup. In a move welcomed by football fans all over the world, DAZN will air all 63 fixtures for free via their internal streaming platform and dedicated TV channels.
Viewers simply need to create a DAZN account to access full coverage of the tournament. Commentary will be available in multiple languages.
Venue, host cities and stadiums
A total of 12 venues will host matches during the 2025 Club World Cup, with nine different states welcoming fans from all four corners of the planet. Thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of the MLS and the country’s rich sporting culture, the United States is home to a vast range of state-of-the-art stadiums.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
Capacity: 75,000
Opened: 2017
Matches: Will stage three group stage fixtures, two Round of 16 ties, and one quarter-final
TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Capacity: 26,000
Opened: 2021
Matches: Will stage four group stage fixtures.
Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Capacity: 75,000
Opened: 1996
Matches: Will stage two group stage fixtures, and two Round of 16 ties
Rose Bowl Stadium (Los Angeles, California)
Capacity: 88,500
Opened: 1992
Matches: Will stage six group stage fixtures
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, Florida)
Capacity: 65,000
Opened: 1987
Matches: Will stage six group stage fixtures (including the opening match) and two Round of 16 ties
GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tennessee)
Capacity: 30,000
Opened: 2022
Matches: Will stage three group stage fixtures
MetLife Stadium (New Jersey)
Capacity: 82,500
Opened: 2010
Matches: Will stage five group stage fixtures, one quarter-final, both semi-finals, and the final
Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
Capacity: 65,000
Opened: 1936
Matches: Will stage two group stage fixtures, one Round of 16 tie, and one quarter-final
Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
Capacity: 25,000
Opened: 2017
Matches: Will stage two group stage fixtures
Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Capacity: 69,000
Opened: 2003
Matches: Will stage six group stage fixtures, one Round of 16 tie, and one quarter-final
Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington)
Capacity: 69,000
Opened: 2002
Matches: Will stage six group stage fixtures
Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
Capacity: 20,000
Opened: 2018
Matches: Will stage three group stage fixtures
History, highlights and statistics
After years of protracted discussions and lengthy preparations, the inaugural edition of the FIFA Club World Cup was held in 2000. Two Brazilian outfits clashed in the competition’s first-ever final, as Corinthians overcame Vasco da Gama on native soil.
A further 11 clubs have been proclaimed champions of the world since then, with Real Madrid earning more titles than any other side. Despite this, only five countries (Spain, Brazil, England, Italy, and Germany) and two confederations (UEFA and CONMEBOL) have produced a FIFA Club World Cup winner.
The tournament has frequently taken place in Asia, with Japan assuming hosting duties on eight separate occasions. Three different Middle Eastern countries – Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and most recently Saudi Arabia – have served as hosts, while Morocco is the sole African nation to be awarded this privilege.
What awards are on offer?
Although the ultimate objective of all participants will be to win the competition, players and teams will also be vying for several other accolades.
At the conclusion of the 2025 Club World Cup final, the Golden Ball winner and FIFA Fair Play Award recipients will be announced. The competition’s best overall player will land the coveted Golden Ball, while the FIFA Fair Play Award is given to the team with the cleanest disciplinary record.
Throughout the tournament, the best-performing player in each fixture will receive the Man of the Match award.
Eleven months before collecting his first Ballon d’Or, Manchester City midfielder Rodri picked up the Golden Ball at the 2023 Club World Cup. Thanks to his hat-trick heroics in Yokohama and a crucial strike at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player to be handed a Man of the Match Award in two Club World Cup finals. As well as being the competition’s most successful club, Real Madrid have secured the FIFA Fair Play Award on more occasions than any other team.
Champions and winners list
The following teams and players have been rewarded for their performances at the last five editions of the FIFA Club World Cup:
2023
Winners: Manchester City (England)
Golden Ball: Rodri (Manchester City)
FIFA Fair Play Award: Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
2022
Winners: Real Madrid (Spain)
Golden Ball: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
FIFA Fair Play Award: Real Madrid (Spain)
2021
Winners: Chelsea (England)
Golden Ball: Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
FIFA Fair Play Award: Chelsea (England)
2020
Winners: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Golden Ball: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
FIFA Fair Play Award: Al Duhail (Qatar)
2019
Winners: Liverpool (England)
Golden Ball: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
FIFA Fair Play Award: Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)
What prize money is on offer at the 2025 Club World Cup?
Thanks to its revised format, extended global appeal, and a bumper broadcasting contract, the competition has received a huge cash injection.
The total prize pot has consequently risen to an eye-watering $2.65 billion, up from a modest $16 million in 2023. Manchester City were awarded $5 million for winning the previous edition of the Club World Cup, but would access a colossal $100m windfall should they successfully defend their title.
It's believed all participants will earn at least $50 million for their efforts in the U.S. this summer, a monumental return for some of the tournament’s smaller outfits.
This figure amounts to over seven times the market value of Auckland City’s entire squad, while Mamelodi Sundowns FC will earn just north of $1 million if they can conclude the current South African Premiership campaign as champions.
Sponsorship: Who are the sponsors for the 2025 Club World Cup?
The competition’s official sponsors are Belgian-based brewing company AB InBev, financial services giant Bank of America, and electronics producer Hisense.
FIFA’s existing partners will also support the event, with Adidas, Aramco, Coca-Cola, Hyundai-Kia, Lenovo, Qatar Airways, and Visa all involved.