FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Full Guide to Teams, Tickets & Format

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 ushers in a seismic shift for global club football, expanding from seven to 32 contenders and promising a month-long festival across the United States. Below is everything supporters need to know—fixtures, groups, venues, tickets, streaming and the road to the new-look final.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Format Explained

The revamped tournament mirrors the men’s World Cup. Thirty-two sides are divided into eight groups of four. Each club plays three round-robin matches, with the top two in every group advancing to a 16-team knockout bracket. From the last-16 onward, ties are single-leg showdowns decided by extra time and penalties if required. In total, fans will enjoy 63 matches instead of the previous seven.

Qualified Teams & Confederation Slots

• UEFA (12): Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Benfica, Porto, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid
• CONMEBOL (6): Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Fluminense, Atlético Mineiro
• AFC (4): Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Pohang Steelers, Al Ain
• CONCACAF (4): Monterrey, Club América, Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami CF
• CAF (4): Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Mamelodi Sundowns, Esperance de Tunis
• OFC (1): Auckland City
• Host (1): Major League Soccer champion if not already qualified

Key Dates & Match Schedule

Group Stage

June 15–27, 2025: Daily double-headers across eight U.S. cities, allowing fans to mix sightseeing with elite football.

Knockout Phase

• Round of 16: June 30–July 3
• Quarter-finals: July 6–7
• Semi-finals: July 10–11
• Third-place play-off & Final: July 14 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Stadiums & Host Cities

Iconic venues such as SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), AT&T Stadium (Dallas) and Lumen Field (Seattle) join traditional soccer homes like Red Bull Arena (New Jersey) to showcase the tournament. Natural grass surfaces are being installed where necessary to meet FIFA standards.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Tickets

Official sales are live on FIFA.com with prices starting at $40. Fans can pick single-match seats, city-specific bundles or a tournament pass. Early-bird phases sold out quickly for clashes involving Real Madrid and Inter Miami, so supporters are encouraged to act fast. Mobile ticketing, resale protection and family zones aim to streamline the experience.

How to Watch & Stream

DAZN will stream every game free in multiple territories, while FOX Sports and Telemundo share U.S. broadcast rights. BBC and Sky Sports split coverage in the UK, and each confederation has secured at least one free-to-air partner to maximise exposure.

Prize Money & Club Incentives

The total prize pool leaps to $2 billion, with $100 million reserved for the champion—almost triple the pot for winning the UEFA Champions League. That financial carrot, plus worldwide marketing reach, explains why managers are already reshuffling pre-season tours to prioritise the summer spectacle.

Travel Tips for Supporters

• Visa Waiver Program: Most European and Asian visitors can enter the U.S. with an ESTA approval.
• Domestic Flights: Budget carriers link host cities; book early for July holidays.
• Accommodation: FIFA has partnered with major hotel chains to lock in discounted rates—check the Fan Travel portal.

Environmental & Social Initiatives

FIFA pledges a carbon-neutral event by funding reforestation projects and enforcing strict recycling rules in stadiums. A legacy programme will donate training pitches to underserved American communities.

Why the New Format Matters

By expanding the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 to 32 teams, FIFA aims to:
1. Offer equitable representation from each confederation.
2. Provide a mid-cycle tournament for global giants like Manchester City and Flamengo to meet competitively.
3. Generate fresh broadcasting revenue that can be reinvested in grassroots football.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will domestic leagues pause?

Yes. The European season ends earlier in May 2025, while MLS will schedule a summer hiatus for qualified clubs.

What happens if weather disrupts play?

Stadiums with retractable roofs—AT&T, SoFi, Mercedes-Benz—provide contingency, and kick-off times avoid extreme heat windows.

Are VAR and goal-line tech in use?

Absolutely. FIFA confirms the same technology suite applied at World Cup 2022.

Opinion: A Turning Point for Club Football

The 2025 edition feels like more than just a supersized tournament; it’s a litmus test for FIFA’s ability to balance commercial ambition with sporting integrity. If the logistics hold and smaller confederations punch above their weight, the reimagined Club World Cup could become a beloved fixture rather than an overloaded curiosity.