FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the USA – Group Stage, Format, Prize Pool, and How to Watch

From June 14 to July 13, 2025, the United States will host the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time in an expanded format, featuring 32 teams from across the globe. The tournament is set to be more than just a preseason warm-up — it marks a new global chapter in the evolution of club football.

How Qualification for the 2025 Club World Cup Worked

The qualification process was based on club performances in continental competitions from 2021 to 2024. Depending on the confederation, teams qualified either by winning tournaments or through a four-year ranking system.

Slot allocation by confederation:

• UEFA (Europe): 12 slots

• CONMEBOL (South America): 6 slots

• Asia, Africa, and North America: 4 slots each

• OFC (Oceania): 1 slot

• Host country: 1 slot

For Europe and South America — where more than four slots were available — clubs qualified through Champions League/Libertadores victories and accumulated rankings from 2021 to 2024. In other confederations, only continental tournament winners qualified. Oceania’s representative was selected as the top-ranked club among continental champions.

Only two clubs per European country may participate. For instance, Liverpool, ranked 8th in UEFA’s standings, was not selected since Manchester City (1st) and Chelsea (5th) were already ahead.

Host Nation’s Club Selection

FIFA took time to announce the USA’s representative. In October 2024, it was decided that Inter Miami CF would take the host nation’s slot, based on winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield (regular season title). This decision stirred controversy, as Inter Miami had been eliminated in the first round of the MLS playoffs, but FIFA cited “sporting merit in the league format.”

When and Where the Tournament Will Be Held

• Dates: June 15 – July 13, 2025

• Host Country: USA

• Format: 8 groups of 4 teams; followed by knockout rounds (no third-place match)

• Participants: Winners of continental tournaments (2021–2024) and highest-ranked FIFA clubs

Group Stage – All Qualified Teams

Group A: Palmeiras (Brazil), FC Porto (Portugal), Al Ahly (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA)
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain (France), Atlético de 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), LAFC (USA)
Group E: River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Monterrey (Mexico), Inter Milan (Italy)
Group F: Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan HD (Korea), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Group G: Manchester City (England), Wydad AC (Morocco), Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (Italy)
Group H: Real Madrid (Spain), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), Salzburg (Austria)

What the Tournament Offers to Clubs

Preparation for the New Season
Clubs see this tournament as top-level preseason practice — a chance to test tactics, integrate new signings, and reintegrate players returning from injury.

Some clubs have already reinforced their squads:

• Real Madrid – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen

• Inter Milan – Petar Sučić, Luis Henrique

• Manchester City – Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki

• Chelsea – Andrey Santos, Liam Delap

• FC Porto – Gabri Veiga

• Atlético, Bayern, Juventus – No transfer news yet

Prize Pool – Over One Billion Dollars

The tournament winner will receive significant prize money and a chance to boost their budget ahead of the season. The champion is guaranteed at least $125 million.

Performance-based payouts: $475 million

• Group stage win – $2 million

• Group stage draw – $1 million

• Round of 16 – $7.5 million

• Quarterfinal – $13.125 million

• Semifinal – $21 million

• Finalist – $30 million

• Tournament winner – $40 million

Guaranteed payouts: $525 million

• Europe: $12.81M to $38.19M

• South America: $15.21M

• Asia, Africa, CONCACAF: $9.55M each

• Oceania: $3.58M

Development Investment: $250 million
Funds will go toward infrastructure, youth academies, and local football development projects worldwide.

Global Scale and New Challenges

The inclusion of clubs from MLS, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Japan provides a unique opportunity to directly compare football quality beyond Europe with its traditional giants. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will challenge the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, while Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia — featuring a roster full of global stars — aims to make a statement on the world stage.

Challenges and Considerations:

• Physical Load: Concerns over tight schedules, but FIFA promises a balanced calendar.

• Transfers:

  • Additional window: June 1–10

  • In-tournament transfers: June 27 – July 3

• Financial Regulations: FIFA is tightening oversight of multi-club ownership to prevent conflicts of interest.

How to Watch the 2025 Club World Cup

Streaming is completely free on the DAZN platform, though availability varies by country.
In Russia, the tournament will be broadcast via the OKKO service.