An expanded 32-club version of the FIFA Club World Cup will be held for the first time in the United States in 2025.
According to FIFA's announcement on June 23, the tournament will last three weeks in the US, between June and July 2025, at stadiums preparing for the 2026 World Cup - an event co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
Several clubs have secured their places at the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Photo: ESPN
The format of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has not yet been decided but it is likely that the 32 teams will be divided into eight groups to ensure each club plays at least three matches. In total, the tournament could feature 56 matches, including the third-place play-off.
The current seven-team edition of the FIFA Club World Cup will take place for the final time this year, from December 12-22 in Saudi Arabia. According to FIFA, the 32-team version promises to be more exciting, taking place every four years instead of annually.
Of the 32 clubs, Europe has 12 places and South America has six. Of the 12 European clubs, four have won the Champions League in the last four seasons. This means Real, Man City and Chelsea are guaranteed places. The team that won the 2023-24 Champions League will take the fourth place. The remaining eight European places are based on UEFA rankings over the past four years.
In the other regions, AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa) and CONCACAF (North and Central America & Caribbean) each have four representatives. OFC (Oceania) and the host federation each have one club participating. Since the host United States is in CONCACAF, this region will have five clubs competing.
With FIFA's decision, the US will host three major tournaments in three consecutive years, starting with Copa America 2024.
"We believe the United States is the ideal host because of its facilities and experience," FIFA President Infantino said in an online meeting on June 23. "The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be the pinnacle of club football."
Along with the launch of the new version, the event is also a place for FIFA to test new television copyright models, find more sponsors and is expected to bring in hundreds of millions of USD in revenue for the 32 participating clubs.
Vy Anh
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