The inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to captivate football fans worldwide from June 14 to July 13, 2025.
Hosted across 11 U.S. cities, this revamped tournament promises high-stakes matches, featuring elite clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Benfica.
With a staggering $1 billion prize pool, the competition marks a new era in club football. Now, we will be delving into a detailed analysis of the biggest clashes at this first-of-its-kind tournament but first.
🏆Tournament Overview:
Host Country: United States.
Teams: 32 clubs from six continental confederations.
Format: 8 groups of 4; top 2 qualify to Round of 16.
Prize Pool: $1 billion, with the winner earning up to $100 million.
Dates: June 14 – July 13, 2025.
Round of 16: June 28 – July 1.
Quarter-finals: July 4 – July 5.
Semi-finals: July 9 – July 10.
Final: July 13, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
⁉️How Many Teams Will Take Part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, & How did They Qualify?
The 32-team slots were distributed among the winners of each confederation’s premier club competition between 2021 and 2024 and clubs that mathematically qualified through their confederation's club ranking during the same four-year period (2021-2024).
🌍Africa - 4 CAF Teams:
Al Ahly FC (EGY) – 2020/21, 2022/23 and 2023/24 CAF Champions League Winners.
Wydad AC (MAR) – 2021/22 CAF Champions League Winners.
Espérance (TUN) - CAF ranking pathway.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA) - CAF ranking pathway.
🌏Asia - 4 AFC Teams:
Al Hilal (KSA) – 2021 AFC Champions League Winners.
Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) – 2022 AFC Champions League Winners.
Al Ain FC (UAE) - 2023/24 AFC Champions League Winners.
Ulsan HD (KOR) - AFC ranking pathway.
🌏Europe - 12 UEFA Teams:
Chelsea FC (ENG) – 2020/21 UEFA Champions League Winners.
Real Madrid C. F. (ESP) – 2021/22 and 2023/24 UEFA Champions League Winners.
Manchester City (ENG) – 2022/23 UEFA Champions League Winners.
FC Bayern München (GER) – UEFA ranking pathway.
Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) – UEFA ranking pathway.
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) – UEFA ranking pathway.
FC Porto (POR) - UEFA ranking pathway.
SL Benfica (POR) – UEFA ranking pathway.
Borussia Dortmund (GER) - UEFA ranking pathway.
Juventus FC (ITA) - UEFA ranking pathway.
Atlético de Madrid (ESP) - UEFA ranking pathway.
FC Salzburg (AUT) - UEFA ranking pathway.
🌎North and Central America, Caribbean - 4 Concacaf Teams:
CF Monterrey (MEX) – 2021 Concacaf Champions Cup Winners.
Seattle Sounders FC (USA) – 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup Winners.
CF Pachuca (MEX) - 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Winners.
LAFC (USA) – Qualified via FIFA Club World Cup Play-In (Beat Mexico’s Club America 2-1).
🗺️Oceania - 1 OFC Team:
Auckland City FC (NZL) – OFC ranking pathway.
🌏South America - 6 CONMEBOL Teams:
SE Palmeiras (BRA) – 2021 CONMEBOL Libertadores Winners.
CR Flamengo (BRA) – 2022 CONMEBOL Libertadores Winners.
Fluminense FC (BRA) – 2023 CONMEBOL Libertadores Winners.
Botafogo (BRA) - 2024 CONMEBOL Libertadores Winners.
CA River Plate (ARG) - CONMEBOL ranking pathway.
CA Boca Juniors (ARG) - CONMEBOL ranking pathway.
🏈Host Country - 1 Team:
Inter Miami CF (USA) - Host nation slot.
📊Group Stages - What are the Groups for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Group A
SE Palmeiras (BRA)
FC Porto (POR)
Al Ahly FC (EGY)
Inter Miami CF (USA)
Group B
Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)
Atlético de Madrid (ESP)
Botafogo (BRA)
Seattle Sounders FC (USA)
Group C
FC Bayern München (GER)
Auckland City FC (NZL)
CA Boca Juniors (ARG)
SL Benfica (POR)
Group D
CR Flamengo (BRA)
Espérance Sportive de Tunis (TUN)
Chelsea FC (ENG)
Los Angeles FC (USA)
Group E
CA River Plate (ARG)
Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)
CF Monterrey (MEX)
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
Group F
Fluminense FC (BRA)
Borussia Dortmund (GER)
Ulsan HD (KOR)
Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA)
Group G
Manchester City (ENG)
Wydad AC (MAR)
Al Ain FC (UAE)
Juventus FC (ITA)
Group H
Real Madrid C. F. (ESP)
Al Hilal (KSA)
CF Pachuca (MEX)
FC Salzburg (AUT)
☠️Contenders for 'Group of Death’:
Group B - Teams:
Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Atlético Madrid (ESP), Botafogo (BRA), Seattle Sounders FC (USA).
Group B has been touted as the likeliest to be named "Group of Death" due to the high calibre of its participants.
PSG, led by the ‘treble-winning man’ Luis Enrique, who has now led Barca and PSG to trebles, are the overwhelming favourites to top this group just for their status as the current Champions of Europe alone.
With their 5-0 UEFA Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last month still fresh in the minds of people, the Parisians have rightfully made a name for themselves and, unlike most of the teams in this competition, the recency of their glory is set to put fear into the hearts of many teams.
Their biggest challenge is likely going to be Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid, who last conquered continental football in 2018 when they lifted the UEFA Europa League and went on to beat arch-rivals Real Madrid in the corresponding UEFA Super Cup the following season.
While they are still searching for their very first UCL title after 3 finals, they have been consistent participants in Europe’s biggest club competition and have the men and manager to trouble any team any day in any competition.
Then there is Copa Libertadores champion Botafogo who conquered South America in 2024, and MLS stalwarts Seattle Sounders FC who also conquered the Americas in 2022.
🔑Key Fixture, Date, Kick-off Time (Local Nigerian & Ghanaian Time) & H2H:
🔵PSG vs. Atlético Madrid🔴 – June 15, Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles, 7:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM WAT
Team Briefs:
🔵PSG:
Finished 1st in 2024/2025 French Ligue 1 (Champions).
Winners of 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League (Champions).
Debutants in FIFA Club World Cup Competition (New/Old Format).
Team Form: W🟢 W🟢 W🟢 W🟢 W🟢 L🔴
Last Six (6) Games: PSG 5-0 Inter, PSG 3-0 Reims, PSG 3-1 Auxerre, Montpellier 1-4 PSG, PSG 2-1 Arsenal, Strasbourg 2-1 PSG.
🔴ATLETICO MADRID:
Finished 3rd in 2024/2025 Spanish La Liga.
2024/2025 UEFA Champions League: Quarterfinals stage (Eliminated by Real Madrid).
Debutants in FIFA Club World Cup Competition (New/Old Format).
Team Form: W🟢 W🟢 L🔴 W🟢 D🟡 W🟢
Last Six (6) Games: Girona 0-4 Atletico Madrid, Atletico Madrid 4-1 Real Betis, Osasuna 2-0 Atletico Madrid, Atletico Madrid 4-0 Real Sociedad, Deportivo Alaves 0-0 Atletico Madrid, Atletico Madrid 3-0 Rayo Vallecano.
⚔️Head-to-Head (H2H):
PSG and Atlético Madrid have faced each other three (3) times in the past, two of those being friendlies. Their only competitive meeting was in the UEFA Champions League last month during the group phase, which Atletico won beating PSG 2-1.
Aug. 2009 – Emirates Cup: Atletico Madrid 1-1 PSG
Jul. 2018 – International Champions Cup: PSG 3-2 Atletico Madrid
Nov. 2024 – UEFA Champions League: PSG 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Group G – Teams:
Manchester City (ENG), Juventus (ITA), Al Ain FC (UAE), Wydad AC (MAR)
Group G features the last team to lift this competition in its previous format, 2023 Club World Cup Champions, Manchester City, who are aiming to reclaim their place as one of the best teams in the world after just closing what is probably their worst season under manager Pep Guardiola.
However, they must first navigate a tricky group that includes Italian giants Juventus, UAE powerhouse Al Ain FC, and African heavyweights Wydad AC from Morocco.
While City come into the tournament as one of the favourites based on squad depth and technical quality, Juventus, their main group competitors, under new leadership, are equally determined to re-establish themselves on the world stage.
Juventus, much like Man City, did not have a very good season, and with a seasoned squad and an old fan base still hungry for glory, they more than likely will be the Citizens’ toughest hurdle in Group G.
Al Ain FC, Asian Champions League winners two seasons ago, and Wydad AC, 2021/2022 CAF Champions League winners, will also bring their continental pride and passion, posing real problems for the European powerhouses.
🔑Key Fixture, Date, Kick-off Time (Local Nigerian & Ghanaian Time) & H2H:
⚫Juventus vs. Manchester City🔵 – June 26, Camping World Stadium, Orlando – 8:00 PM GMT / 9:00 PM WAT
Team Briefs:
🔵MANCHESTER CITY:
Finished 3rd in 2024/2025 English Premier League (EPL).
2024/2025 UEFA Champions League: Round-16 stage (Eliminated by Real Madrid).
Winners of 2023 FIFA Club World Cup Champions (Champions of Old Format).
Team Form: W🟢 W🟢 L🔴 D🟡 W🟢 W🟢
Last Six (6) Games: Fulham 0-2 Man City, Man City 3-1 Bournemouth, Man City 0-1 Crystal Palace, Southampton 0-0 Man City, Man City 1-0 Wolverhampton, Nottingham Forest 0-2 Man City.
⚫JUVENTUS:
Finished 4th in 2024/2025 Italian Serie A.
2024/2025 UEFA Champions League: Round of 16 Play-off Stage (Eliminated by PSV).
Debutants in FIFA Club World Cup Competition (New/Old Format).
Team Form: W🟢 W🟢 D🟡 D🟡 W🟢 L🔴
Last Six (6) Games: Venezia 2-3 Juventus, Juventus 2-0 Udinese, Lazio 1-1 Juventus, Bologna 1-1 Juventus, Juventus 2-0 Monza, Parma 1-0 Juventus.
⚔️Head-to-Head (H2H):
Juventus and Manchester City have met five (5) times with all being in competitive games – thrice (3) in the UEFA Champions League and twice (2) UEFA Europa League. Their last clash came in the 24/25 UCL.
Surprisingly, Juventus have won three of those five meetings, with City strangely never getting a victory over the Italians, managing draws in the remaining two.
Dec. 2024 – UEFA Champions League: Juventus 2-0 Man City.
Nov. 2015 – UEFA Champions League: Juventus 1-0 Man City.
Sept. 2015 – UEFA Champions League: Man City 1-2 Juventus.
Dec. 2010 – UEFA Europa League: Juventus 1-1 Man City.
Sept. 2010 – UEFA Europa League: Man City 1-1 Juventus.
Group C – Teams:
FC Bayern München (GER), SL Benfica (POR), CA Boca Juniors (ARG), Auckland City FC (NZL).
Group C promises thrilling encounters with German giants FC Bayern München, Portuguese royalty SL Benfica, South American giants CA Boca Juniors, and perennial Oceania representatives Auckland City FC.
Bayern come in with a squad full of stars and experience, and are seen as frontrunners to top the group, though Benfica’s attack-minded style of play makes them legitimate contenders.
Meanwhile, Boca Juniors, trying to get back to their glorious days, will be representing Argentina with pride, and Auckland City will hope to pull off surprises with their well-drilled side.
🔑Key Fixture, Date, Kick-off Time (Local Nigerian & Ghanaian Time) & H2H:
⚪SL Benfica v. FC Bayern München🔴 – June 24, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte – 8:00 PM GMT / 9:00 PM WAT.
Team Briefs:
🔴FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN:
Finished 1st in 2024/2025 German Bundesliga (Champions).
2024/2025 UEFA Champions League: Quarterfinals (Eliminated by Inter Milan).
Winners of 2020 & 2013 FIFA Club World Cup Champions (Champions of Old Format).
Team Form: W🟢 W🟢 D🟡 W🟢 W🟢 D🟡
Last Six (6) Games: Hoffenheim 0-4 Bayern, Bayern 2-0 Borussia M’gladbach, RB Leipzig 3-3 Bayern, Bayern 3-0 Mainz, Heidenheim 0-4 Bayern, Inter 2-2 Bayern.
⚪SL BENFICA:
Finished 2nd in 2024/2025 Portuguese Primeira Liga.
2024/2025 UEFA Champions League: Group Phase.
Debutants in FIFA Club World Cup Competition (New/Old Format).
Team Form: D🟡 D🟡 D🟡 W🟢 W🟢 W🟢
Last Six (6) Games: Benfica 1-1 Sporting CP, Bragao 1-1 Benfica, Benfica 1-1 Sporting CP, Estoril 1-2 Benfica, Benfica 6-0 AVS, Benfica 4-0 FC Tirsense.
⚔️Head-to-Head (H2H):
Bayern and Benfica have met seven (7) times in recent times, with all being competitive games in the UEFA Champions League. Bayern are unbeaten in all seven with six wins and one draw.
Nov. 2024 – UEFA Champions League: Bayern 1-0 Benfica.
Nov. 2021 – UEFA Champions League: Bayern 5-2 Benfica.
Oct. 2021 – UEFA Champions League: Benfica 0-4 Bayern.
Nov. 2018 – UEFA Champions League: Bayern 5-1 Benfica.
Sep. 2018 – UEFA Champions League: Benfica 0-2 Bayern.
Apr. 2016 – UEFA Champions League: Benfica 2-2 Bayern.
Apr. 2016 – UEFA Champions League: Bayern 1-0 Benfica.
❌Knockout Stage Outlook - Real Madrid vs Man City, Bayern vs Chelsea & Other Crunch Possible Round 16 Fixtures:
The Round of 16 stage of this restructured FIFA Club World Cup is going to serve viewers around the world some potentially mouth-watering fixtures, including possibly repeats of some European all-time classics.
⚔️Potential Knock-Out Matchups Include:
🔥FC Porto vs Atlético Madrid/PSG
🔥Manchester City/Juventus vs Real Madrid.
🔥Bayern Munich/Benfica vs Chelsea.
🔥Inter Milan vs Dortmund
🤑Club World Cup Prize Money🤑:
$2 million — per win
$1 million — per draw
$7.5 million — Round of 16
$13.12 million — Quarterfinals
$21 million — Semifinals
$30 million — Runner-up
$40 million — Champion
🔚Conclusion:
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup stands as a landmark event in football history, bringing together the world's elite clubs in a month-long spectacle.
With high-profile matchups, a substantial prize pool, and global broadcasting, the tournament is poised to redefine club football on the international stage.
🔗You can check out the FIFA Club World Cup games here on MSport.
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