The much-anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off on June 14 in the United States, promising an action-packed month of top-tier international club football. Featuring 32 teams from across the globe, this edition of the tournament marks the first time it will follow an expanded format, running until July 13, with the final taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The opening match will see host club Inter Miami face off against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely competitive tournament. Over 63 matches will be played in 11 U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Teams are divided into eight groups of four, with each team playing three group-stage matches in a round-robin format. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages. The group phase runs from June 14 to June 26, followed by the round of 16 starting on June 28. The tournament then proceeds through the quarterfinals (July 4–5), semifinals (July 8–9), and the grand finale on July 13.
Defending champions Manchester City will be aiming to retain their title, having clinched the previous Club World Cup in December 2023. They are drawn in Group G alongside Wydad AC, Al Ain, and Juventus.
Here is a look at the eight groups:
- Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
- Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
- Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
- Group D: Flamengo, Esperance de Tunis, Chelsea, Los Angeles FC
- Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan
- Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD FC, Mamelodi Sundowns
- Group G: Manchester City, Wydad AC, Al Ain, Juventus
- Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, FC Salzburg
Highlights of the early schedule include:
- June 14: Al Ahly vs Inter Miami in Miami
- June 15: Bayern Munich vs Auckland City in Cincinnati; PSG vs Atletico Madrid in Pasadena
- June 16: Chelsea vs LAFC in Atlanta; Boca Juniors vs Benfica in Miami
- June 18: Manchester City vs Wydad AC in Philadelphia; Real Madrid vs Al Hilal in Miami
From June 24 onward, decisive group-stage fixtures will determine which 16 teams move on. Each match will take on added significance as clubs vie for knockout spots.
The knockout rounds, beginning June 28, will follow a single-elimination format. If matches end in a draw after 90 minutes, extra time will be played, followed by penalties if needed. The final two rounds semifinals and final will be held at MetLife Stadium, with both semifinal matches scheduled for 10:00 PM EAT.
The final, set for July 13, promises to be a grand showcase of international club football at its finest, drawing a global audience and offering a potential rematch of European and South American powerhouses.
As excitement builds, fans can look forward to witnessing a unique mix of champions from every continent compete for the prestigious title of world’s best club.
