A new era for club football begins this week as the revamped and significantly expanded FIFA Club World Cup gets underway in the United States. The tournament, now a 32-team affair held every four years, promises a bigger stage and a massive $1 billion prize pool, but has also been met with concerns over player welfare, fan engagement, and logistical hurdles.
The month-long tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13, 2025, represents a major strategic shift from its previous annual, seven-team format. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed it as the "pinnacle of elite professional men's club football," designed to create a true world champion.
The competition will feature clubs from all six confederations, with Europe having the largest representation with 12 teams, including recent UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. South America will have six representatives, while Asia, Africa, and North and Central America will each have four. Oceania has one slot, and the host nation is represented by Inter Miami.
The 32 teams have been drawn into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to a knockout stage.
However, the build-up to the tournament has not been without its challenges. Reports have emerged of sluggish ticket sales for some matches, with organizers reportedly reducing prices and in some cases, closing off sections of stadiums. This has raised questions about the appetite for a lengthy club tournament in an already congested global football calendar.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about potential visa and travel issues for international fans and even players, which could impact the global feel of the event. The demanding schedule has also drawn criticism from player unions, who have warned of the increased physical and mental strain on top footballers.
The last edition of the Club World Cup in its previous format was held in December 2023, with Manchester City lifting the trophy after defeating Brazilian side Fluminense in the final. This new, expanded version aims to create more global competition and provide a more significant platform for clubs from outside of Europe to challenge the continent's dominance.
The opening match will see Al Ahly of Egypt take on the host's representative, Inter Miami. Football fans worldwide will be watching keenly to see if this ambitious new tournament can live up to its billing and truly crown the undisputed best club team on the planet.
