Get ready, soccer fans, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be one of the biggest club football spectacles the world’s ever seen. For the first time in history, the tournament’s going big, 32 top clubs from all over the globe, battling it out across 11 U.S. cities from June 14 to July 13.
Whether you're a lifelong Real Madrid supporter or just started backing Inter Miami when Messi joined (no shame), this month-long showdown is your chance to see the world’s best teams go head-to-head, right here in America.
What Exactly Is the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Think of it like the FIFA World Cup, but instead of national teams, it's club teams, the best of the best, facing off. The 2025 edition is historic because it’s the first time the tournament expands to 32 teams. In the past, it was a low-key 7-team affair. Now? It’s a full-blown, quadrennial mega-event.
The final will go down at the legendary MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which has hosted everything from Super Bowls to sold-out concerts. This time, it’ll host club football's biggest crown jewel.
The tournament will feature champions from every continent, including:
- UEFA (Europe)
- CONMEBOL (South America)
- CONCACAF (North & Central America)
- AFC (Asia)
- CAF (Africa)
- OFC (Oceania)
Where and When Is This Happening?
The action kicks off on June 14 and wraps up on July 13, 2025. Here are the host cities where the magic will unfold:
- Miami
- Los Angeles
- Seattle
- New York
- Charlotte
- Nashville
- Atlanta
- Cincinnati
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Washington, D.C.
Pro tip: The final’s at MetLife Stadium, so if you’re dreaming of seeing the trophy lifted, that’s the place to be.
How’s the Tournament Structured?
Here’s a quick rundown of how the Club World Cup 2025 works:
- Group Stage: 8 groups, 4 teams each.
- Each team plays 3 matches.
- Points system: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.
- Top 2 teams from each group move on to the Round of 16.
Key Dates to Know:
- Group Stage: June 14–26
- Round of 16: Starts June 28
- Quarterfinals: July 4–5
- Semifinals: July 9–10
- Final: July 13
Who’s Playing in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
This isn’t just a Europe vs. everyone else showdown; it’s a true global mix of legendary clubs and rising powerhouses. Expect fireworks.
From Europe:
- Real Madrid
- Manchester City (defending champs)
- Bayern Munich
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Chelsea
- Inter Milan
- Juventus
- Atletico Madrid
- Benfica
South America’s finest:
- Palmeiras
- Flamengo
- River Plate
- Boca Juniors
- Fluminense
- Botafogo
Representing North America (MLS fans, rejoice):
- Inter Miami (yes, Messi’s team!)
- LAFC
- Seattle Sounders
And from the rest of the world:
- Al Ahly (Egypt)
- Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)
- Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
- Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
- Auckland City (New Zealand)
Don’t miss this: Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly opens the tournament at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and it’s already being hyped as one of the most anticipated matches.
Why Should You Care?
Besides the fact that it’s soccer history in the making? The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 gives fans a rare treat: a full month of elite club football outside the usual European bubble. Here’s why it matters:
- Gives clubs from Africa, Asia, and the Americas a proper global spotlight.
- A massive stage for MLS teams to test themselves against European giants.
- Offers fans in the U.S. a front-row seat to world-class football, without needing a passport.
And with 63 matches, millions of viewers, and global icons like Lionel Messi, it's not just a tournament, it’s a global celebration of the beautiful game.
How to Watch the Club World Cup 2025
Good news: You won’t miss a minute.
In the U.S.:
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Expect coverage from Fox Sports, NBC, ESPN+, Peacock, and Paramount+.
International fans:
Check your local broadcasters, FIFA will be rolling this out globally across major networks and streaming platforms.
Quick Facts – Club World Cup 2025 at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Dates | June 14 – July 13, 2025 |
| Number of Teams | 32 |
| Host Country | United States |
| Total Matches | 63 |
| Final Venue | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey |
| Defending Champion | Manchester City |
| Star Player to Watch | Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) |
Final Thoughts
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 isn’t just another tournament; it’s a new chapter in global club football. With household names, wild matchups, underdog stories, and a summer full of drama across iconic American cities, this event is a must-watch.
Whether you're here for Messi, rooting for Manchester City, or just curious to see how a New Zealand club holds up against PSG, this is the one to mark on your calendar.
So yeah, dust off your jersey, grab your tickets (or at least a comfy couch spot), and get ready for a summer of soccer magic. Club World Cup 2025 is coming, and it’s gonna be unforgettable.
