The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises to be a groundbreaking tournament, introducing an expanded format with 32 of the world’s best clubs competing for the ultimate crown. Following the much-anticipated draw on December 5, 2024, we now know the groups and can start to look forward to some fascinating matchups. Let’s break down the draw results, highlight the key fixtures, and explore the changes that make this edition of the Club World Cup so significant.
The Draw Results: How the Groups Shaped Up
The draw divided the 32 participating teams into eight groups of four, with each group hosting a mix of clubs from different continents. Here are the groupings:
- Group A: Palmeiras (BRA), Porto (POR), Al Ahly (EGY), Inter Miami (USA)
- Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Atlético Madrid (ESP), Botafogo (BRA), Seattle Sounders (USA)
- Group C: Bayern Munich (GER), Benfica (POR), Boca Juniors (ARG), Auckland City (NZL)
- Group D: Flamengo (BRA), Chelsea (ENG), Club León (MEX), Espérance de Tunis (TUN)
- Group E: River Plate (ARG), Inter Milan (ITA), CF Monterrey (MEX), Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)
- Group F: Borussia Dortmund (GER), Fluminense (BRA), Ulsan Hyundai (KOR), Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)
- Group G: Manchester City (ENG), Juventus (ITA), Wydad AC (MAR), Al Ain (UAE)
- Group H: Real Madrid (ESP), RB Salzburg (AUT), Al Hilal (KSA), Pachuca (MEX)
Key Matchups to Watch
The expanded format ensures exciting matchups right from the group stage, with European powerhouses, South American flair, and clubs from emerging regions all facing off.
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético Madrid (Group B): This clash between French and Spanish giants is expected to be a tactical battle, with both teams boasting star-studded lineups.
- Flamengo vs. Chelsea FC (Group D): A reunion with former Chelsea defender David Luiz, now at Flamengo, adds an emotional subplot to this encounter between Brazilian flair and English resilience.
- Manchester City vs. Juventus (Group G): A meeting of European heavyweights, this match will showcase contrasting styles and tactical nous.
- Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal (Group H): Assuming Neymar remains with Al Hilal, this matchup pits the Brazilian star against his former rivals, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
About the FIFA Club World Cup
Traditionally, the FIFA Club World Cup featured seven teams—the champions of each continental confederation and the host nation’s league winner—competing in a knockout format. While prestigious, the tournament often faced criticism for its limited scope and perceived European dominance.
Why the Change?
In 2025, FIFA is expanding the tournament to 32 teams, adopting a format similar to the FIFA World Cup. This change aims to enhance global competitiveness, provide greater opportunities for clubs worldwide, and increase the tournament’s appeal to fans and broadcasters alike.
New Format Explained
- Group Stage: Eight groups of four teams each, competing in a single round-robin format. Three group matches for every team, with the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.
- Knockout Stage: Consists of the Round of 16, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and the Final, all conducted as single-elimination matches.
Host Cities and Final Venue
The tournament will be hosted across 12 venues in the United States, including:
- MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey): Set to host the final on July 13, 2025.
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, Florida): Hosting the opening match on June 15, 2025.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Rose Bowl Stadium (Pasadena, California)
- Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington)
- Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
- Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tennessee)
- Inter&Co Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
- TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, Ohio)
- Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
This diverse selection of venues reflects the widespread enthusiasm for football across the United States and provides fans nationwide the opportunity to witness world-class matches.
Conclusion
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup represents a significant evolution in global club football, offering a more inclusive and competitive platform for teams worldwide. With an expanded format, diverse host cities, and high-profile matchups, the tournament is poised to deliver unforgettable moments and elevate the sport’s global profile.
Stay tuned to Sofascore for comprehensive coverage, live scores, and in-depth analysis throughout the tournament.