The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: What to Expect from the Global Showdown
In 2025, the global football community will witness a monumental shift as the FIFA Club World Cup undergoes a historic transformation. Set to be held in the summer of 2025, this revamped edition promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in football history. Featuring 32 teams from across the globe, the 2025 Club World Cup will take the format of a month-long competition and serve as the ultimate stage for club football supremacy.
Here’s what to expect from the upcoming tournament, including the expanded format, exciting matchups, and the elite clubs who will be vying for the prestigious title.
A New Era: 32 Teams, Bigger and Better
The biggest change for the 2025 edition of the Club World Cup is the expansion of the tournament to 32 teams, up from the previous seven-team format that had been in place since the competition’s inception in 2000. This will give more clubs from more regions the chance to compete on the world stage, making the tournament more inclusive and diverse.
The 32 teams will be divided into eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to a knockout stage. This new format will give clubs from traditionally underrepresented regions — such as Africa, Asia, and North America — more opportunities to challenge Europe and South America's football giants for the ultimate prize.
While the final details of the qualification process are still being worked out, it is expected that the top clubs from each confederation will automatically qualify, with additional spots being earned through regional championships and other criteria. This means that, for the first time, clubs from leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and the J-League in Japan will have a more direct pathway to the tournament, alongside clubs from the likes of Europe’s UEFA Champions League and South America’s Copa Libertadores.
The Powerhouses: Who Will Dominate the 2025 Club World Cup?
As one of the most prestigious trophies in global football, the Club World Cup attracts the best clubs from around the world. And in 2025, it will be no different. Here are some of the clubs that are expected to be at the forefront of the competition:
Real Madrid (Spain): The 2023 Club World Cup champions, Real Madrid have a long and storied history of success in this competition. With a squad that blends seasoned veterans and emerging talent, the Spanish giants will be looking to add another trophy to their already overflowing cabinet. Players like Vinícius Júnior, Eduardo Camavinga, and the ever-dangerous Karim Benzema will ensure that Real Madrid remain among the favorites.
Bayern Munich (Germany): After a decade of dominance in German football and strong performances in Europe, Bayern Munich are always contenders on the world stage. With stars like Robert Lewandowski, Joshua Kimmich, and Serge Gnabry, the Bavarian powerhouse will no doubt aim to secure their first Club World Cup since 2020.
Liverpool (England): Under Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool have emerged as one of Europe’s most formidable teams, having won both the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup in recent years. With players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson Becker, the Reds are certain to challenge for the title.
Flamengo (Brazil): South American clubs have a strong tradition in the Club World Cup, and Flamengo are one of the most successful sides of the 21st century. With stars like Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol) and Everton Ribeiro, the Brazilian club will look to add another global title to their trophy collection.
Al Ahly (Egypt): The record winners of the CAF Champions League, Al Ahly are a staple at the Club World Cup and have continually performed well on the global stage. Their passionate fanbase and solid team structure make them perennial challengers, with players like Mohamed Sherif and Ali Maaloul at the forefront.
The New Format: More Than Just a Tournament
The 2025 Club World Cup will not only be about the competition on the field but also the off-field experiences for fans, sponsors, and broadcasters. The expanded format offers an opportunity to engage with fans from different regions and cultures, and FIFA is planning to elevate the tournament with cutting-edge fan experiences, more accessible streaming, and a global media presence.
For the first time, fans can expect a month-long festival of football, with the tournament spanning multiple countries or cities, adding an exciting international flair. Each participating club will have the chance to build a global fanbase as they face off against top-tier talent from every continent.
Rising Stars and Underdogs: Who Will Shine?
The expanded tournament also opens the door for lesser-known clubs to make a name for themselves. With more spots available from each confederation, we could see some surprise performances, particularly from teams outside of Europe and South America.
Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia): After strong performances in the AFC Champions League, Al Hilal could be one of the dark horses to watch in the 2025 edition. With star players like Salem Al-Dawsari, they’ve proven they can compete at the highest level, and this expanded format offers them a better chance to shine on the world stage.
Seattle Sounders (USA): Major League Soccer has been growing rapidly, and the Sounders have established themselves as one of the best clubs in North America. After winning the 2022 Concacaf Champions League, they will be eager to make an impact in their first Club World Cup appearance, especially with players like Jordan Morris and Nico Lodeiro in the lineup.
UANL Tigres (Mexico): Mexico's Tigres UANL have long been one of the most successful clubs in North America. They’ve consistently performed well in the Concacaf Champions League, and with players like André-Pierre Gignac, they’ll be one of the teams to watch in the expanded tournament.
What’s at Stake?
The stakes in the 2025 Club World Cup couldn’t be higher. Not only is the trophy one of the most prestigious in the sport, but for many clubs, it will be an opportunity to prove themselves on a global scale. For up-and-coming clubs from Asia, Africa, and North America, this is a chance to compete against the world’s best and earn respect on the international stage.
For European and South American powerhouses, the tournament is a way to further cement their dominance and establish themselves as the top club in the world. With the added competition from the expanded field, every match will be crucial.
The Road to Glory
With the 2025 Club World Cup just around the corner, anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable month of football. The expanded format, exciting teams, and global stage will make this the most exciting edition of the tournament yet. As fans eagerly await the action, one thing is certain: when the dust settles, only one club will reign supreme as the best in the world. Who will take home the coveted trophy? The 2025 Club World Cup will answer that question in spectacular fashion.
Author
Cameron Williams
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Senior Writer
