FULL DRAW: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup teams, groups unveiled

As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup approaches, anticipation is building for a tournament that promises to redefine international club football. Set to take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, this edition marks a pivotal shift in the competition's history, transitioning from an annual seven-team format to a grand spectacle featuring 32 of the world’s best clubs, akin to the FIFA World Cup.

With 63 matches to be played across 12 iconic stadiums in the United States, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, this expanded structure aims to showcase the pinnacle of club football, offering fans a month of exhilarating action. Let’s dive into the details of this landmark event, from the recently concluded draw to the key fixtures and format.

The Draw: Groups and Key Matchups

The draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, conducted in Miami, Florida, unveiled a thrilling roadmap for the tournament. Delivered with grandeur, the event began with an electrifying virtual address from President-elect Donald Trump, adding a touch of American flair to the proceedings.

Group Allocations

The 32 teams were divided into eight groups of four, ensuring representation from all six continental confederations. Here’s how the groups stack up:

• Group A: Palmeiras (BRA), FC Porto (POR), Al Ahly (EGY), Inter Miami (USA)
• Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Atletico Madrid (ESP), Botafogo (BRA), Seattle Sounders (USA)
• Group C: Bayern Munich (GER), Auckland City (NZL), Boca Juniors (ARG), Benfica (POR)
• Group D: Flamengo (BRA), Esperance de Tunis (TUN), Chelsea (ENG), Club Leon (MEX)
• Group E: River Plate (ARG), Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN), Monterrey (MEX), Inter Milan (ITA)
• Group F: Fluminense (BRA), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Ulsan Hyundai (KOR), Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)
• Group G: Manchester City (ENG), Wydad AC (MAR), Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (ITA)
• Group H: Real Madrid (ESP), Al Hilal (KSA), Pachuca (MEX), RB Salzburg (AUT)

This balanced distribution ensures competitive fixtures and diverse matchups, reflecting the global nature of the tournament.

Must-Watch Fixtures

The group stage promises several marquee clashes that will have fans glued to their screens:

• Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami: The opening match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will see the Egyptian giants face the host club, setting the tone for the tournament.
• Manchester City vs. Juventus: A showdown between the reigning European champions and one of Italy's most storied clubs.
• Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors: A classic duel between European efficiency and South American flair.
• Flamengo vs. Chelsea: Group D’s blockbuster pits the Brazilian champions against one of England’s elite.
• Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal: The kings of Europe face the champions of Asia in a clash of continents.
• River Plate vs. Inter Milan: A historic Argentine club takes on Italian giants in a tactical masterclass.

With such tantalizing fixtures, the group stage alone promises to deliver unforgettable moments.

Tournament Format and Progression

The 2025 Club World Cup adopts a FIFA World Cup-style format, with a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Here’s how it works:

1. Group Stage:

   • Each group consists of four teams.
   • The top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 16.

2. Knockout Stage:

   • Begins with the Round of 16, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final.
   • Notably, there will be no third-place playoff, maintaining a sharp focus on the ultimate prize.

This structure ensures a month-long football festival, culminating in the crowning of a true global club champion.

Stadiums and Host Cities

The tournament will be played across 12 world-class stadiums in the United States, showcasing the nation’s capability to host large-scale football events ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These venues are:

1. Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
2. Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte)
3. TQL Stadium (Cincinnati)
4. Rose Bowl Stadium (Los Angeles)
5. Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
6. GEODIS Park (Nashville)
7. Camping World Stadium (Orlando)
8. Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando)
9. Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
10. Lumen Field (Seattle)
11. Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
12. MetLife Stadium (New Jersey) – Host of the final.

These venues will provide diverse backdrops, from the historic Rose Bowl in Los Angeles to the cutting-edge Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Pot Allocations and Draw Restrictions

The draw adhered to FIFA’s established principles to ensure fairness and diversity:

• Pot 1: Contained the highest-ranked teams from Europe and South America.
• Pot 4: Included teams from Asia, Africa, North America, Oceania, and the host club, Inter Miami.

To maintain competitive balance, no group included teams from the same association. This structure guarantees a rich mix of playing styles and tactical approaches across all groups.

The Significance of the 2025 Edition

This expanded format represents a monumental shift in international club football. The decision to enlarge the competition aligns with FIFA’s vision of growing the game globally, offering a platform for clubs from diverse continents to compete at the highest level.

• Inclusivity: Teams from Asia, Africa, and North America now have greater representation, leveling the playing field.
• Competitiveness: With more teams and matches, the tournament promises an unparalleled level of competition.

For clubs, this is an opportunity to cement their legacy on a global stage. For fans, it’s a chance to witness their favorite teams battle against international powerhouses.

Looking Ahead

As the countdown to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup begins, excitement continues to build. This historic event is not just about football; it’s a celebration of global unity and shared passion for the beautiful game.

Whether you’re cheering for European giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City, South American powerhouses like Flamengo and River Plate, or underdogs from Africa and Asia, this tournament has something for everyone.

The stage is set. The teams are ready. Let the games begin.

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