Written by SpringnewsNG Media Limited
June 5, 2025 — The highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off this summer in the United States, marking the tournament’s 21st edition and its first-ever expansion to include 32 teams from six different confederations battling for global club supremacy.

This revamped edition features a new format, moving from the previous annual seven-team setup to a quadrennial event with eight groups of four clubs each. The top two teams from every group will advance to the knockout stages, starting with the round of 16.

Key Teams to Watch:

• Manchester City, the defending champions, will look to defend their 2023 title.
• Real Madrid aims for a record-extending sixth Club World Cup trophy.
• Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), fresh off their Champions League win, seeks to add to their recent treble.
• Brazilian powerhouses Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo bring South America’s Copa Libertadores pedigree.
• Argentine legends Boca Juniors and River Plate are also competing.
• Other notable clubs include Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal, African giants Al Ahly, and MLS representatives Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders, and Los Angeles FC.

Group Stage Breakdown:

The groups were drawn considering geographical balance and technical criteria, with UEFA allowed two teams per group, while other confederations were kept apart to promote diversity. European and South American teams can only meet from the semi-finals onward if they progress.

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
Group B: Botafogo, PSG, Atletico Madrid, Seattle Sounders
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
Group D: Flamengo, Esperance Tunis, Chelsea, Los Angeles FC
Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, Mamelodi Sundowns
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad AC, Al-Ain, Juventus
Group H: Real Madrid, Al-Hilal, Pachuca, Red Bull Salzburg

Tournament Schedule and Venues:

The tournament will feature 63 matches in total. The opening match between Al Ahly and Inter Miami takes place on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida. The grand final is scheduled for July 13 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.

Knockout Stage Path:

Following the group stage, the top two teams from each group will face off in the round of 16 with matchups designed to balance group winners against runners-up from other groups:

• Round of 16 Highlights:
  • Group A winner vs. Group B runner-up
  • Group C winner vs. Group D runner-up
  • Group E winner vs. Group F runner-up
  • Group G winner vs. Group H runner-up

The winners will progress through quarter-finals and semi-finals to contest the final showdown for the Club World Cup crown.

Stay tuned with SpringnewsNG Media Limited for comprehensive updates, live coverage, and expert analysis on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.