As the summer of 2025 approaches, the world of football prepares for an unprecedented spectacle: the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, set to kick off on June 14 in the United States. Unlike its modest predecessors, this expanded 32-team format promises the fireworks of a full-scale international tournament — and the anticipation is already electric.
From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the buzzing cafés of Casablanca, from Tokyo’s neon glow to Miami’s palm-lined boulevards, football clubs from every corner of the globe are gearing up for what could become the club game’s most prestigious battleground.
In total, 32 clubs have earned their place in history, each eyeing immortality at the first edition of this expanded tournament. Representing Europe (UEFA) are 12 juggernauts: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid, Porto, Benfica, and Red Bull Salzburg. With multiple Champions League winners among them, the continent sends its heavyweights fully armed.
South America’s CONMEBOL is not to be outdone, fielding 6 clubs that embody the continent’s rich footballing culture and fiery passion: Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo, River Plate, and Boca Juniors. With rivalries as legendary as their trophy cabinets, these sides will aim to bring the Libertadores’ intensity to American soil.
Africa’s quartet — Al Ahly (Egypt), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia), and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) — enter the tournament with a proud legacy and fierce determination to break new ground on the world stage. Al Ahly, in particular, will relish the opportunity to open the tournament against Inter Miami, bringing African football into the global spotlight.
Over in Asia, the lineup includes Saudi Arabia’s star-studded Al Hilal, Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai, and the recent AFC Champions League finalists, Al Ain from the UAE. All four are seasoned campaigners with continental glory in their recent pasts — and their tactical discipline will test any opponent.
North and Central America (CONCACAF) will be well represented by Monterrey, Pachuca, Seattle Sounders, and Los Angeles FC — with the added flair of Inter Miami, which qualified as the host nation’s representative. With Lionel Messi set to don the pink kit on home turf, the American dream may well become the story of the summer.
Lastly, Oceania’s flag bearer, perennial OFC champions Auckland City, will hope to play the role of giant-killers. The New Zealanders may lack the star power of their counterparts, but their cohesiveness and underdog grit could turn heads.
The group stage, drawn into eight groups of four, will unfold across iconic venues like Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, AT\&T Stadium in Dallas, and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — which will host the grand finale on July 13. From there, the top two teams in each group will march into a no-holds-barred knockout phase.
But at its heart, this Club World Cup remains a celebration of the beautiful game. One ball, thirty-two dreams, and a month of football magic to write the next chapter in club football history.
The countdown has begun. Who will rise, and who will fall? Come June 14, the world will watch.
