Excitement Builds for First Expanded FIFA Club World Cup in US

MIAMI, Fla. — The first-ever expanded FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off on June 14, 2025, in the United States, featuring 32 teams from six continents competing across 11 cities.

This tournament marks a significant shift from previous editions, with teams divided into eight groups of four. The top two from each group will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Excitement is particularly high around Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami, which qualified after winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield despite not being the national champions. Miami will play its matches at Hard Rock Stadium, which has seen a drastic reduction in ticket prices as FIFA aims to fill empty seats.

FIFA announced that the tournament includes 12 clubs from UEFA, six from CONMEBOL, five from Concacaf, four from AFC, four from CAF, and one from OFC. Brazil leads with four teams: Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Palmeiras. The U.S. has three representatives: Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC, and Seattle Sounders.

Real Madrid, with a record five Club World Cup titles, is among the favorites, featuring stars like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. Other top clubs include Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Additionally, FIFA has introduced a mid-tournament registration window from June 27 to July 3, allowing teams to adjust their squads, as many players may be out of contract during the tournament.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated, “We anticipate great attendances throughout the competition,” highlighting the tournament’s significance in promoting clubs worldwide. Fans are eager to see how well clubs like Auckland City from New Zealand, the only representatives from Oceania, can compete against renowned global teams.

With the opening match approaching, ticket sales are essential for a successful tournament, leading FIFA to release more affordable options following reports of unsold seats for key games. As the world’s footballing elite prepares to descend on the U.S., the anticipation is palpable as teams gear up for the historic event.