The world of club football is gearing up for its biggest stage yet as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup prepares to kick off in the United States from June 14 to July 13. For the first time, the tournament will feature 32 teams from across the globe, with matches spread across 12 major U.S. cities—from New York to Los Angeles, and Miami to Seattle. The final will unfold under the lights at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, promising a month-long football extravaganza.
FIFA has set a new benchmark, offering an eye-popping $1 billion in prize money. The eventual winners could walk away with up to $125 million, making this not just the biggest Club World Cup in size, but also in stakes. Every participating club will earn performance-based payouts, raising the competition to fever pitch.
The 32 clubs are split into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stages. In total, 63 matches will be played, ensuring a packed schedule for fans and players alike.
The tournament boasts a global flavor, with:
12 clubs from Europe (UEFA)
6 from South America (CONMEBOL)
4 each from Africa (CAF), Asia (AFC), and North/Central America (CONCACAF)
1 from Oceania (OFC)
Host club Inter Miami automatically qualifying
One of the biggest names, Lionel Messi, will take the field with Inter Miami, the host club, which opens the tournament against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium. Co-owned by David Beckham, the Miami team’s presence is already generating serious buzz.
The draw has thrown up some tasty fixtures. Group B is being dubbed the “Group of Death” with PSG, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, and Seattle Sounders set to collide. European heavyweights like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea bring global star power, while Brazil’s top teams—Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo, and Palmeiras—add South American flair.
Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
Group B: PSG, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
Group D: Flamengo, Esperance de Tunis, Chelsea, Club Leon
Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Red Bull Salzburg