FIFA Club World Cup 2025 set to begin in the US with 32 elite teams: Everything you need to know

The revamped competition kicks off on Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami

Last updated: June 14, 2025 | 12:09

Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor

3 MIN READ

Workers get the pitch ready at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on June 13, 2025, on the eve of the Club World Cup 2025 Group A football match between Egypt's Al-Ahly and US Inter Miami.

AFP

The United States is set to host the largest and most ambitious edition of the FIFA Club World Cup to date, featuring 32 elite teams from across the globe. Marking a significant expansion of the tournament, the revamped competition kicks off on June 14 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

Also Read: Where to Watch FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in Dubai

Inter Miami CF, the Major League Soccer club co-owned by David Beckham and captained by global icon Lionel Messi, will serve as official hosts. They will open the tournament in Group A with a high-profile clash against African champions Al Ahly. The group also features Portuguese giants FC Porto and Brazilian club Palmeiras.

The month-long event will unfold across 12 venues in 11 US cities, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 13.

A total of 63 matches are scheduled to be played in Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, Orlando (two stadiums), Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, DC.

Also Read: FIFA to pay $1 billion prize money for Club World Cup

European champions Real Madrid headline Group H, beginning their campaign against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. Group B is set to be one of the most competitive, featuring Germany’s Bayern Munich, Argentina’s Boca Juniors, Portugal’s Benfica, and New Zealand’s Auckland City.

A diverse array of continental champions and top-ranked clubs from each region will compete, including:

Africa (CAF): 4 teams, including Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns
Asia (AFC): 4 teams, including Ulsan Hyundai and Al Hilal
Europe (UEFA): 12 teams, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund
North, Central America & Caribbean (Concacaf): 4 teams, plus Inter Miami as host
Oceania (OFC): 1 team via ranking, represented by Auckland City
South America (CONMEBOL): 6 teams, including Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo, and River Plate

Official group stage draw:

Group A: Palmeiras (Brazil), FC Porto (Portugal), Al Ahly (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA)
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (France), Atlético Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), Seattle Sounders (USA)
Group C: Bayern Munich (Germany), Auckland City (New Zealand), Boca Juniors (Argentina), Benfica (Portugal)
Group D: Flamengo (Brazil), Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia), Chelsea (England), Club León (Mexico)
Group E: River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Monterrey (Mexico), Inter Milan (Italy)
Group F: Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Group G: Manchester City (England), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (Italy)
Group H: Real Madrid (Spain), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)

Also Read: Look: FIFA Club World Cup trophy visits UAE

This expanded format brings the Club World Cup closer in scale to the FIFA World Cup, showcasing the very best of club football in a truly global spectacle. The tournament is expected to draw massive international attention, both for its star power — led by Messi and other top talents — and for its diverse matchups between clubs that rarely meet on the global stage.

Balaram MenonSenior Web Editor

Balaram brings more than two decades of experience in the media industry, combining sharp editorial judgment with a deep understanding of digital news dynamics. Since 2004, he has been a core member of the gulfnews.com digital team, playing a key role in shaping its identity. Passionate about current affairs, politics, cricket, entertainment, and viral content, Balaram thrives on stories that spark conversation. His strength lies in adapting to the fast-changing news landscape and curating compelling content that resonates with readers.