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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in the United States next Saturday, and it promises to be a memorable event. With 32 teams competing for the title, this edition marks a radical departure from previous editions. The tournament's expansion makes it similar to recent World Cups, adding to the anticipation and excitement among fans.
The new tournament format
Until 2023, the FIFA Club World Cup was held annually in December, with the participating teams limited to the winners of the continental competitions, with the number fluctuating between six and eight. But starting in 2025, FIFA decided to expand the tournament to 32 teams and organize it on a four-year basis, in imitation of its flagship event, the World Cup.
Last season saw the birth of the new FIFA Intercontinental Cup, which will replace the Club World Cup as the annual competition starting from December 2024, with Real Madrid triumphing in the first edition held in Qatar.
The participating teams and their path
This edition in the United States is historic: for the first time, the tournament will feature 32 clubs, the same number as in the last FIFA World Cups. Teams will be divided into eight groups of four, with a round-robin format. The top two in each group will advance to the round of 13, which will culminate in the final on July XNUMX.
The tournament will kick off on June 14, with U.S. fans set to watch big-name clubs including Real Madrid, Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Inter Milan. Qualifying teams were selected through the winners of continental competitions, such as the Champions League, and the four-yearly confederation rankings.
Controversies and surprises in team selection
Inter Miami, despite the controversy, earned a spot in the tournament, representing the host nation. The club won the Supporters' Shield, the award for the best regular season. Of the 32 teams, Europe (UEFA) is the best-represented confederation with 12 teams, followed by South America (CONMEBOL) with six, and Asia, Africa and CONCACAF with four each. Oceania is represented by one club, while Inter Miami occupies the last available spot.
Mexican club León, who initially qualified, was excluded for violating multiple ownership rules, while their participation did not affect that of Pachuca. After the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected them, FIFA confirmed a play-off between Los Angeles FC and Club America, which LAFC won.
The places and the stages
The matches will be played in 12 different venues, spread across 11 cities. The opening match between Al Ahly and Inter Miami will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which can seat up to 65.000 spectators. The MetLife Stadium in New York, home to NFL teams, will be the stage for the semi-finals and final, with a capacity of 82.500.
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, known for American football, is the largest stadium, with 88.500 seats. It has already hosted historic events such as the Men's World Cup final and will also host the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The prize up for grabs and expectations
The total prize pool is $1 billion, with champions earning up to $125 million. About half of that will be split between the 32 teams, with another $475 million awarded based on performance. This way, teams with the most wins in the tournament will be able to earn bigger prizes.
Meanwhile, FIFA has fueled speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo, who will not participate in the tournament but could change teams. Infantino said there are "discussions with some clubs" regarding a possible signing of the Portuguese footballer.
As the tournament begins, the anticipation is growing and attention is focused on how the matches will unfold and which teams will emerge on the world football scene. The tension is palpable, and each match is bound to bring surprises and twists. How will the giants of football perform on such a prestigious stage?