FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Dates, Venue & Top Players

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative tournaments in modern football history. Unlike the traditional seven-team format, the 2025 edition is expanding to a full-scale 32-team event, signaling FIFA’s intent to give club football its global showcase.

Held in the United States for the first time, this revamped Club World Cup will run from June 15 to July 13, 2025, spanning multiple cities and drawing the world’s top clubs and talent. From qualification criteria to venue details, star players to match schedules here’s everything you need to know.

A New Era for the FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA has long intended to elevate the Club World Cup into a more prestigious global competition. The 2025 edition is the first of its kind, a summer tournament that mirrors the international World Cup structure. The decision to host it in the U.S. is part of a larger push to engage American fans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With 32 teams, the tournament format will feature:

• Eight groups of four
• The top two from each group progress to the Round of 16
• Single-leg knockout stages through to the final

This setup ensures more competitive matches and a global football festival that spans almost a month.

Where Will the FIFA Club World Cup Take Place?

The 2025 tournament will be played in 12 U.S. cities, many of which will also serve as venues for the 2026 World Cup. Confirmed stadiums include:

• MetLife Stadium (New Jersey) – Final venue
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
• SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)
• Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
• Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City)
• Levi’s Stadium (San Francisco Bay Area)

Each venue is expected to host multiple group stage and knockout matches, bringing elite football to various American markets.

Participating Clubs: Who Made the Cut?

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 lineup comprises clubs that have earned qualification through continental titles and ranking-based allocations. Here’s a list of confirmed clubs:

Notable Players to Watch

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be a who’s who of football greatness. Some of the biggest names expected to grace the pitch include:

• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – Possibly his last global club tournament.
• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – Set to light up the tournament with pace and flair.
• Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – A goal machine ready for the big stage.
• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – Midfield general at just 21.
• Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Bernardo Silva also among global stars in action.

Prize Money and Broadcast

FIFA has announced a prize pool of $1 billion for the entire tournament, with the winning club reportedly receiving between $100 million and $ 125 million. This surpasses previous editions and is designed to incentivize clubs to take the event seriously.

Broadcast rights vary by region, but FIFA will provide free live streams via DAZN in multiple countries. Additionally, other platforms, such as Sky Sports and beIN Sports, will also cover the event.

Schedule and Key Dates

• Tournament begins: June 15, 2025
• Group stage ends: June 26, 2025
• Knockouts begin: June 29, 2025
• Final match: July 13, 2025 at MetLife Stadium

With a total of 63 matches, fans are in for a jam-packed football summer.

FAQs: FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Which clubs will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup?

The 2025 edition will feature 32 clubs, including champions from all six FIFA confederations, as well as high-performing teams from global leagues. Notables include Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Palmeiras, Flamengo, Al Ahly, and Inter Miami.

Why is Liverpool not in the Club World Cup?

Liverpool failed to qualify as they did not win the UEFA Champions League during the 2021–2024 cycle, which is the main route for European qualification. The UEFA spots are allocated to Champions League winners and the best-ranked clubs over the last four seasons.

How do you qualify for the Club World Cup 2025?

Clubs qualified by:

• Winning their continental competition (e.g., UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores)
• Ranking high on a multi-year coefficient system set by FIFA for their confederation
• Being the host nation’s representative club

This structure ensures that not just champions but consistently elite teams also get a spot.

Why is Chelsea in the Club World Cup?

Chelsea qualified by winning the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League, which fell within FIFA’s qualifying window. Despite recent struggles in domestic competitions, securing that European title has earned them a place in the 2025 edition.

Why Some Players and Managers Are Concerned

While fans are excited, there’s tension brewing among clubs and players. Many have voiced concerns over fixture congestion, player burnout, and the crowded international calendar. FIFPro and several national leagues have questioned the sustainability of adding a 32-team global tournament to an already packed summer schedule.

How much money does a club get for winning the Club World Cup?

The winner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is expected to earn between $100 million and $125 million, according to reports. This amount includes performance bonuses, broadcast revenue share, and commercial incentives. It’s a significant jump from previous editions, where winners received around $5 million. The total prize pool for the tournament is estimated at $1 billion, making it one of the most lucrative club competitions globally.

Final Thoughts

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is a bold experiment, one that could elevate club football to unprecedented global heights or draw backlash over its timing. Either way, it’s happening, and it’s going to be massive. With the world watching and the most prominent clubs involved, the U.S. will host a football festival unlike anything seen before on the club level.