FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025: The Ultimate Guide
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 introduces a 32-team format. This marks a major expansion from the traditional 7-team tournament. The competition takes place across multiple American cities from June 15 to July 13, 2025.
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the finalThis expanded version represents FIFA's vision for international club football. The tournament offers a $1 billion prize pool. The official FIFA Club World Cup website provides regular updates on preparations.
What makes this tournament unique? It brings together champion clubs from every continent in a comprehensive month-long competition to determine a true world club champion.
What Is the FIFA Club World Cup?
The FIFA Club World Cup is an international football competition. It features champion clubs from FIFA's six continental confederations, plus the host nation's representative. The tournament determines the best club team in the world.
The competition began in its modern format in 2000, though the inaugural tournament was canceled. It evolved from the Intercontinental Cup, which ran from 1960 to 2004 between European and South American champions.
The tournament launched officially in 2005 with a 7-team format. European clubs have dominated the competition, winning 15 of the 19 editions to date.
The Evolution of the Tournament
The Club World Cup developed through several distinct phases:
- 1960-2004: The Intercontinental Cup era (European vs South American champions)
- 2000: First attempt at an expanded Club World Championship in Brazil
- 2005-2023: 7-team format with continental champions
- 2025: Launch of the 32-team format in the USA
This expansion moves the tournament closer to the scale and prestige of the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Format
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup adopts a completely new format. The tournament expands from seven to 32 teams. It uses a structure similar to the FIFA World Cup format from 1998-2022.
The official FIFA breakdown details how matches will be organized throughout the competition.
Group Stage Format
The group stage consists of:
- 32 teams in 8 groups of 4 teams each
- 3 matches per team against group opponents
- 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss
- Top two teams from each group advance
- Tiebreakers include goal difference and head-to-head results
This creates 96 group stage matches across multiple American venues.
Knockout Stage Format
The knockout phase follows a direct elimination structure:
- Round of 16: 16 qualified teams
- Quarter-finals: 8 teams
- Semi-finals: 4 teams
- Final: 2 teams
All knockout matches use extra time and penalty shootouts if tied after 90 minutes. The prize money distribution reaches up to $125 million for the winning team.
Qualified Teams for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
The 32 participating teams represent all six FIFA confederations. Qualification comes through continental tournaments from 2021-2024 and ranking systems.
The slot distribution reflects competitive strengths: UEFA (12), CONMEBOL (6), CONCACAF (4), AFC (4), CAF (4), OFC (1), and host nation (1).
European Representatives (UEFA)
European teams qualified through Champions League victories or UEFA coefficient rankings.
| Team | Country | Qualification Method | Previous CWC Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Spain | 2021-22 & 2023-24 UCL winners | 6 (Won: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022) |
| Chelsea | England | 2020-21 UCL winners | 2 (Won: 2021) |
| Manchester City | England | 2022-23 UCL winners | 1 (Won: 2023) |
| Bayern Munich | Germany | UEFA ranking | 2 (Won: 2013, 2020) |
| Paris Saint-Germain | France | UEFA ranking | 0 |
| Inter Milan | Italy | UEFA ranking | 1 (Won: 2010) |
| Porto | Portugal | UEFA ranking | 0 |
| Benfica | Portugal | UEFA ranking | 0 |
| Borussia Dortmund | Germany | UEFA ranking | 0 |
| Juventus | Italy | UEFA ranking | 0 |
| Atlético Madrid | Spain | UEFA ranking | 0 |
| Red Bull Salzburg | Austria | UEFA ranking | 0 |
Real Madrid enters with the most tournament experience. The UEFA club rankings show the historical performance of European clubs in international competitions.
South American Representatives (CONMEBOL)
South American clubs qualify through Copa Libertadores victories and CONMEBOL rankings.
| Team | Country | Qualification Method | Previous CWC Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palmeiras | Brazil | 2021 Copa Libertadores winners | 2 (2020, 2021) |
| Flamengo | Brazil | 2022 Copa Libertadores winners | 2 (2019, 2022) |
| Fluminense | Brazil | 2023 Copa Libertadores winners | 1 (2023) |
| River Plate | Argentina | CONMEBOL ranking | 2 (2015, 2018) |
| Boca Juniors | Argentina | CONMEBOL ranking | 1 (2007) |
Brazilian clubs have a strong presence in the competition. The CONMEBOL statistical database shows Brazil's recent continental successes. The final list of CONMEBOL participants may change pending FIFA confirmation.
North American Representatives (CONCACAF)
The host region's teams qualified through CONCACAF competitions.
| Team | Country | Qualification Method | Previous CWC Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterrey | Mexico | 2021 CONCACAF Champions League winners | 5 (2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021) |
| Seattle Sounders FC | USA | 2022 CONCACAF Champions League winners | 1 (2022) |
| Pachuca | Mexico | 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners | 4 (2007, 2008, 2010, 2017) |
| Inter Miami CF | USA | Host nation representative (2024 MLS Supporters' Shield) | 0 |
Inter Miami CF features Lionel Messi and other internationally recognized players. CONCACAF's historical records show the development of club football in North America.
Asian, African, and Oceanian Representatives
Teams from AFC, CAF, and OFC complete the global representation.
| Team | Confederation | Country | Qualification Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Hilal | AFC | Saudi Arabia | 2021 AFC Champions League winners |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | AFC | Japan | 2022 AFC Champions League winners |
| Al Ain | AFC | UAE | 2023-24 AFC Champions League winners |
| Ulsan HD | AFC | South Korea | AFC ranking |
| Al Ahly | CAF | Egypt | 2020-21, 2022-23, 2023-24 CAF Champions League winners |
| Wydad AC | CAF | Morocco | 2021-22 CAF Champions League winners |
| Espérance de Tunis | CAF | Tunisia | CAF ranking |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | CAF | South Africa | CAF ranking |
| Auckland City FC | OFC | New Zealand | OFC Champions League ranking |
Al Ahly qualified by winning three CAF Champions League titles. Auckland City makes its 12th Club World Cup appearance, the most of any club. AFC's resources detail the rapid development of Asian football in recent years.
FIFA Club World Cup Qualification Process
The qualification routes for the 32 teams include:
- UEFA (12 slots): Champions League winners (2021-2024) plus clubs based on UEFA coefficient ranking
- CONMEBOL (6 slots): Copa Libertadores winners (2021-2024) plus clubs based on CONMEBOL ranking
- CONCACAF, AFC, CAF (4 slots each): Continental champions (2021-2024)
- OFC (1 slot): Highest-ranked club among OFC Champions League winners (2021-2024)
- Host nation (1 slot): Inter Miami CF (2024 MLS Supporters' Shield winners)
The FIFA qualification guide provides detailed information about how each team earned their place.
Host Cities and Stadiums
The tournament uses 12 stadiums across 11 American cities. This creates a coast-to-coast competition with diverse playing conditions.
| Stadium | City | Capacity | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, NJ (New York Area) | 82,500 | Final venue, hosted Super Bowl XLVIII |
| Hard Rock Stadium | Miami Gardens, FL | 65,000 | Opening match venue featuring Inter Miami |
| Rose Bowl | Pasadena, CA (Los Angeles Area) | 88,500 | Hosted 1994 World Cup Final |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, GA | 75,000 | Retractable roof, hosted 2018 MLS Cup Final |
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, PA | 69,000 | Home of Philadelphia Eagles, 2026 World Cup venue |
| Bank of America Stadium | Charlotte, NC | 75,000 | Home to Charlotte FC and Carolina Panthers |
| Lumen Field | Seattle, WA | 69,000 | Home of Seattle Sounders, known for atmosphere |
| Camping World Stadium | Orlando, FL | 65,000 | Hosted 1994 World Cup matches |
| Inter&Co Stadium | Orlando, FL | 25,000 | Home of Orlando City SC, soccer-specific venue |
| Geodis Park | Nashville, TN | 30,000 | Largest soccer-specific stadium in the USA |
| TQL Stadium | Cincinnati, OH | 26,000 | Modern soccer-specific stadium, opened in 2021 |
| Audi Field | Washington, D.C. | 20,000 | Home of D.C. United, compact urban venue |
The Bank of America Stadium information page shows how venues prepare for international competitions.
Notable Venues
Key stadiums for the tournament include:
- MetLife Stadium: Hosts the final on July 13, 2025
- Rose Bowl: Historic venue with 88,500 capacity
- Hard Rock Stadium: Hosts the tournament opener
- Bank of America Stadium: Recent upgrades for football/soccer
The FIFA stadium guide contains information about each venue's facilities.
Match Allocation
Match distribution follows strategic planning:
- Group stage matches cluster geographically to reduce travel
- MetLife Stadium hosts the final and key knockout matches
- Hard Rock Stadium hosts the opening match
- Lumen Field hosts all Seattle Sounders group matches
This approach balances competitive fairness with logistical efficiency.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Schedule
The FIFA Club World Cup runs from June 15 to July 13, 2025. The tournament spans 29 days. It begins with Inter Miami CF at Hard Rock Stadium and concludes with the final at MetLife Stadium.
The complete match schedule was published on December 7, 2024. The FIFA match calendar shows all 63 games with dates, times and venues.
Key Dates
Important tournament dates include:
- June 15, 2025: Opening match (Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami CF)
- June 15-26, 2025: Group stage (96 matches)
- June 28-July 1, 2025: Round of 16 (8 matches)
- July 4-5, 2025: Quarter-finals (4 matches)
- July 8-9, 2025: Semi-finals (2 matches)
- July 13, 2025: Final at MetLife Stadium
The schedule considers player welfare, travel logistics, and global broadcast times.
Tickets for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Tickets for the FIFA Club World Cup follow a multi-phase sales process. This ensures fair distribution to fans worldwide.
The FIFA ticket portal provides current information on availability and prices. Demand varies by match and venue.
How to Purchase Tickets
The ticket purchase process includes:
- Create an account on the FIFA ticketing platform
- Select matches or ticket packages
- Complete payment through FIFA's secure system
- Receive digital tickets via email or the FIFA app
Multiple price categories accommodate different budgets. Ticketmaster serves as FIFA's official ticketing partner.
FIFA Club World Cup USA 2025 Prize Money and Tournament Rewards
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup offers a $1 billion prize pool. This makes it one of the most financially rewarding football tournaments in history.
The prize structure follows a performance-based model:
| Stage | Club earnings |
|---|---|
| Group stage (3 matches) | $2m per win/$1m per draw |
| Round of 16 | $7.5m |
| Quarter-final | $13.125m |
| Semi-final | $21m |
| Runner-up | $30m |
| Winner | $40m |
Teams also receive participation payments. European clubs get between $12.8m and $38.2m each. South American clubs receive $15.2m each. The FIFA prize breakdown explains the complete financial structure.
Tournament History and Records
The Club World Cup has evolved significantly since its inception. The tournament records provide context for the 2025 edition.
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Final Score | Host |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Corinthians (Brazil) | Vasco da Gama (Brazil) | 0-0 (4-3 pen) | Brazil |
| 2005 | São Paulo (Brazil) | Liverpool (England) | 1-0 | Japan |
| 2006 | Internacional (Brazil) | Barcelona (Spain) | 1-0 | Japan |
| 2007 | AC Milan (Italy) | Boca Juniors (Argentina) | 4-2 | Japan |
| 2008 | Manchester United (England) | LDU Quito (Ecuador) | 1-0 | Japan |
| 2009 | Barcelona (Spain) | Estudiantes (Argentina) | 2-1 (AET) | UAE |
| 2010 | Inter Milan (Italy) | TP Mazembe (DR Congo) | 3-0 | UAE |
| 2011 | Barcelona (Spain) | Santos (Brazil) | 4-0 | Japan |
| 2012 | Corinthians (Brazil) | Chelsea (England) | 1-0 | Japan |
| 2013 | Bayern Munich (Germany) | Raja Casablanca (Morocco) | 2-0 | Morocco |
| 2014 | Real Madrid (Spain) | San Lorenzo (Argentina) | 2-0 | Morocco |
| 2015 | Barcelona (Spain) | River Plate (Argentina) | 3-0 | Japan |
| 2016 | Real Madrid (Spain) | Kashima Antlers (Japan) | 4-2 (AET) | Japan |
| 2017 | Real Madrid (Spain) | Gremio (Brazil) | 1-0 | UAE |
| 2018 | Real Madrid (Spain) | Al Ain (UAE) | 4-1 | UAE |
| 2019 | Liverpool (England) | Flamengo (Brazil) | 1-0 (AET) | Qatar |
| 2020 | Bayern Munich (Germany) | Tigres UANL (Mexico) | 1-0 | Qatar |
| 2021 | Chelsea (England) | Palmeiras (Brazil) | 2-1 (AET) | UAE |
| 2022 | Real Madrid (Spain) | Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) | 5-3 | Morocco |
| 2023 | Manchester City (England) | Fluminense (Brazil) | 4-0 | Saudi Arabia |
European teams won 15 of 19 tournaments. Real Madrid holds the record with five championships. FIFA's tournament statistics provide comprehensive historical data.
Individual Awards and Records
Notable individual achievements include:
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Most goals in a single tournament (4, 2016)
- Lionel Messi: Most Player of the Tournament awards (2)
- Mohamed Aboutrika: First African to score in a final (2006)
- Júlio César: Most clean sheets (5)
The expanded 2025 format will create opportunities for new records across more matches.
How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
DAZN secured global broadcast rights for €1 billion. They will stream all matches worldwide and sublicense rights to regional broadcasters.
Broadcasters by region include:
- United States: TNT Sports (24 matches) and Univision (18 matches)
- Brazil: CazéTV (39 matches) and ESPN Brazil (all matches)
- Spain & Italy: Mediaset (one match per day)
- MENA Region: MBC Group
- South America (excluding Brazil): DSports (all matches)
DAZN's press announcement details the global broadcast arrangements. The FIFA+ platform will provide additional tournament content.
Impact and Significance
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup represents a major evolution in international club football. The tournament has several key impacts:
- Sporting Impact: Creates a true global club championship
- Economic Impact: Generates estimated $1-2 billion in revenue
- US Soccer Growth: Showcases elite club football in America
- Calendar Position: Establishes a major summer tournament
The competition addresses the gap between continental club tournaments, as outlined in FIFA's strategic vision.
Commercial Aspects
The tournament's commercial structure includes:
- Official Partners: Adidas, Coca-Cola, Hyundai-Kia, Visa, Qatar Airways
- Tournament Sponsors: AB InBev, Bank of America, Hisense, Tiffany & Co.
- Match Ball: Custom Adidas design with American-inspired elements
These partnerships fund the prize pool and global promotion efforts.
FIFA Club World Cup vs FIFA World Cup: Understanding the Difference
Many confuse these two FIFA tournaments. Their key differences include:
| Aspect | FIFA Club World Cup | FIFA World Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | Club teams | National teams |
| Qualification | Continental club competitions | Continental qualifying tournaments |
| Frequency | Transitioning to every four years | Every four years |
| Teams | 32 teams (from 2025) | 48 teams (from 2026) |
| Duration | Approximately one month | Approximately one month |
| Historical Prestige | Growing | Highest in football |
| Player Contracts | Club contracts | National team representation |
The FIFA comparison guide provides additional details on these distinct tournaments.
FAQs About the Club World Cup USA 2025
When is the FIFA club world cup 2025?
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 takes place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States.
What is the FIFA club world cup?
The FIFA Club World Cup is an international football tournament for champion clubs from each of FIFA's six continental confederations, plus the host nation's representative.
When is FIFA club world cup?
The tournament runs from June 15 to July 13, 2025, spanning exactly 29 days during the summer.
FIFA club world cup where to watch?
DAZN holds global broadcast rights with regional sublicensing agreements. In the US, TNT Sports (English) and Univision (Spanish) broadcast matches.
How much are FIFA club world cup tickets?
Ticket prices vary by match category. Group stage tickets start from approximately $30 for category 3 seats. Premium seats for the final range from $300 to $2,200.
Where is FIFA club world cup 2025?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup takes place across 12 stadiums in 11 US cities, including New York/New Jersey, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Atlanta.
How does the FIFA club world cup work?
The 2025 edition features 32 teams in 8 groups of 4. Teams play round-robin matches within groups. The top 2 from each group advance to knockout rounds.
Where to watch FIFA club world cup?
DAZN streams all matches globally. Regional broadcast partners include TNT Sports and Univision (US), CazéTV and ESPN (Brazil), and Mediaset (Spain/Italy).
When is the next FIFA club world cup?
After the 2025 edition in the USA, the next FIFA Club World Cup is expected in 2029. The host nation has not been announced.
When do FIFA club world cup tickets go on sale?
Ticket sales happen in phases. FIFA members and participating clubs' supporters get early access. General public sales typically begin 6-8 months before the tournament.
How often is the FIFA club world cup?
The FIFA Club World Cup transitions from an annual tournament to a four-year event with the 2025 expanded format.
When does the fifa club world cup begin?
The opening match starts on June 15, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, featuring Inter Miami CF against Al Ahly.
Related Pages
- Host Countries of all FIFA Club World Cup
- FIFA Club World Cup Winners.
- Club World Cup Home
- FIFA Club World Cup Trivia
- More Major Football Events
- Major Football Events Calendar
- Other major world sporting events
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