Preparations are underway for the start of the 21st edition of the FIFA Club World Cup. And it’s in the United States that, from June 14 to July 13, clubs from the four corners of the globe will attempt to claim the world champion title.
For FIFA, this is an opportunity to offer a new version of its competition and to promote it as one of the events of the summer.
Here, Sports Talk United takes a look at everything you need to know about the competition, from qualifying teams to the schedule and some special rules.
How many teams compete at the 2025 Club World Cup?
A total of 32 teams from no fewer than 20 countries will take to the starting line. All six FIFA confederations are represented, with a record 12 clubs from UEFA (Europe). CONMEBOL (South America) has six emissaries, Concacaf (North America) five, AFC (Asia) and CAF (Africa) four each and OFC (Oceania) one.
- Group A: SE Palmeiras (BRA), FC Porto (POR), Al Ahly FC (EGY), Inter Miami CF (USA)
- Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Atletico de Madrid (SPA), Botafogo (BRA), Seattle Sounders FC (USA)
- Group C: FC Bayern Munich (GER), Auckland City FC (NZL), CA Boca Juniors (ARG), SL Benfica (POR)
- Group D: CR Flamengo (BRA), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (TUN), Chelsea FC (ENG), Los Angeles FC (USA)
- Group E: CA River Plate (ARG), Urawa Red Diamonds (JAP), CF Monterrey (MEX), Inter Milan (ITA)
- Group F: Fluminense FC (BRA), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Ulsan HD (KOR), Mamelodi Sundowns FC (ZAF)
- Group G: Manchester City (ENG), Wydad AC (MOR), Al Ain FC (ARE), Juventus (ITA)
- Group H: Real Madrid CF (SPA), Al Hilal (SAU), CF Pachuca (MEX), Red Bull Salzburg (AUT)
What’s the format of the competition?
The format of the Club World Cup is based on the classic format of other major competitions, such as the World Cup or the Euro, with a few special differences.
The 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four, with each team facing its three opponents once. A win earns three points, a draw one, and a defeat none. At the end of this first phase, the top two teams in each group qualify for the knockout phase. The bottom two teams are eliminated. If two teams are level on points, the result of their head-to-head match will determine their ranking. If the latter results in a draw, other factors will be taken into account.
The knockout phase begins with the round of 16 and continues with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. In the event of a tie, extra time of two 15-minute periods will be played. If there is no winner at the end of these halves, a penalty shoot-out will be held to decide between the two teams.
Unlike the World Cup, the Club World Cup will not see the two losing semi-finalists battling it out for a potential third place.
Full Club World Cup programme
- Group phase: from June 14 to 26
- Round of 16: from June 28 juin to July 1
- Quarter-finals: from July 4 to 5
- Semi-finals: July 8 to 9
- Final: July 13
Which stadiums will host the Club World Cup?
A total of 12 stadiums will host the 63 matches across the United States.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
- Bank of America Stadium — Charlotte, North Carolina
- TQL Stadium — Cincinnati, Ohio
- Rose Bowl Stadium — Los Angeles, California
- Hard Rock Stadium — Miami, Florida
- MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, New York-New Jersey
- Camping World Stadium — Orlando, Florida
- Inter&Co Stadium — Orlando, Florida
- Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lumen Field — Seattle, Washington
- Audi Field — Washington, DC, Washington
Where will the opening match and the final take place?
The opening match will oppose Egyptian club Al Ahly to Inter Miami on June 14 at 8pm (local time). It will be played at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. The final will be held on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Can all teams compete against each other?
There are a few restrictions, which only apply to the group stage. For example, two teams from the same country cannot play each other in that phase, but they will be able to do so in the knockout phase.
Furthermore, with the exception of UEFA representatives, teams from the same confederation have all been separated in the draw. However, they will be able to meet later in the competition.
How many players make up each team?
Each team must include a minimum of 26 players and a maximum of 35 — three goalkeepers must be counted. Two additional players may be added mid-tournament, between June 27 and July 1, when a special mercato window opens.
During a match, each coach will be able to count on 11 starters and 15 substitutes. Five substitutions will be allowed during the 90 minutes of regulation time, plus a sixth if a player leaves the pitch with concussion. In the event of extra time, each team may make up to six substitutions.
Can a player be suspended for a match?
From the start of the group phase to the quarter-finals, if a player (or member of staff) receives two separate yellow cards, he will be suspended for the following match. The same penalty will apply in the event of a red card (direct or as a result of two cautions).
With the tally reset to zero for the semi-finals, only a player who has been shown a red card at this stage of the competition will miss the final.
When is the next Club World Cup?
The next Club World Cup will take place in four years’ time, in 2029. However, the name of the host country — or countries — has not yet been decided.
