2025 FIFA Club World Cup Draw: A Historic Kickoff
2025 FIFA Club World Cup Draw: A Historic Kickoff
The draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held on December 5, 2024, in Miami, set the stage for an exhilarating tournament. With 32 teams from across the globe participating in the expanded competition, this is the most inclusive Club World Cup in history. Here’s a breakdown of what the draw revealed and what fans can look forward to:
Group Stage Draw Highlights
The tournament, structured like the FIFA World Cup for nations, divided 32 elite clubs into eight groups of four. Notable group matchups include:
- Group A: Palmeiras (Brazil), Porto (Portugal), Al Ahly (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA).
- Group G: Manchester City (England), Juventus (Italy), Wydad AC (Morocco), Al Ain (UAE).
- Group H: Real Madrid (Spain), Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), CF Pachuca (Mexico), RB Salzburg (Austria).
The draw also featured a mix of continental champions and host representatives, with Inter Miami making history as the first MLS club to host the Club World Cup.
Tournament Format
- Group Stage: Each team plays three matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.
- Knockout Stage: The Round of 16 will determine the path to the final, which is scheduled for July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Key Storylines
- The event marks a new era in club football, bringing together champions from Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and North America.
- Powerhouses like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea are among the top contenders, while underdogs such as Al Ahly and Ulsan Hyundai aim to make their mark.
Anticipation Builds
Fans around the world eagerly await the tournament kickoff on June 15, 2025. With matches set in iconic U.S. stadiums, including Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium and Seattle’s Lumen Field, the stage is set for a memorable summer of football【8†source】【9†source】.
This landmark event promises to redefine club football on a global scale, uniting diverse teams and supporters in a celebration of the beautiful game.
