FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Format, Teams, Predictions, and Rising Stars

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to make history as the first edition of the tournament’s expanded 32-team format. Hosted in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, this reimagined competition brings together the world’s top clubs for a month-long football spectacle. Here’s everything you need to know about the new format, participating teams, expert predictions, potential breakout stars, and how to follow daily predictions at MyGameOdds.com’s FIFA Club World Cup page.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 debuts a new quadrennial format, replacing the old seven-team annual tournament with a 32-team event modeled after the FIFA World Cup. Matches will be played across eleven major U.S. cities, with the final at the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The opening match takes place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

This expansion is designed to crown the world’s top club and showcase football’s global reach, with representation from every confederation: UEFA (Europe), CONMEBOL (South America), AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North/Central America), and OFC (Oceania).

Group Stage: The 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four, playing a round-robin format. Each team plays three matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The group stage runs from June 14 to June 26, 2025.

Knockout Rounds: The knockout phase begins with the Round of 16, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final on July 13, 2025. There is no third-place playoff. Matches tied after 90 minutes go to extra time and, if necessary, penalties.

Host Cities and Final Venue: Matches will be played in Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, East Rutherford (New Jersey), Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, an 82,500-seat venue.

Teams earned their places by winning continental championships or through club ranking systems over the 2021–2024 cycle. UEFA has twelve slots, CONMEBOL six, and AFC, CAF, and CONCACAF four each, with one for OFC and one for the host nation. This ensures a star-studded lineup, including the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Palmeiras, Flamengo, River Plate, and Inter Miami.

The draw has produced exciting matchups, with each group promising high-stakes clashes and potential upsets:

• Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
• Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
• Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
• Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (fourth team to be confirmed)
• Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan
• Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus
• Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, RB Salzburg

Following the disqualification of Mexican side Club León due to multi-club ownership rules, their place in Group D will be decided by a playoff between LAFC and Club América on May 31, 2025, with the winner joining Chelsea, Flamengo, and ES Tunis in the group.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup boasts a record-breaking prize pool of $1 billion. Each participating team receives a guaranteed fee, with the winner potentially earning up to $125 million. Prize distribution is based on both participation and performance, making this the most lucrative club tournament ever staged.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are widely tipped as favorites. Real Madrid’s experience, tactical discipline, and star power, including Vinícius Júnior and new signing Kylian Mbappé, make them formidable contenders. Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, remain a tactical juggernaut with Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess and Kevin De Bruyne’s playmaking. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also strong candidates. From South America, Flamengo and Palmeiras are expected to challenge with their attacking flair and tactical rigor.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Atlético Madrid could surprise, especially if they carry Champions League momentum into the summer. North American clubs, particularly Inter Miami with Lionel Messi, and the winner of the LAFC vs Club América playoff, will look to make a statement on home soil.

• Manchester City: Expect high-possession, attacking football, with Phil Foden and Haaland leading the charge.
• Real Madrid: Fast-paced counterattacks and individual brilliance from Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
• Flamengo: Samba-style, attacking play, with Gabriel Barbosa and Everton Cebolinha.
• Inter Miami: Messi’s creativity, supported by Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets, promises flair and unpredictability.

• Endrick (Real Madrid): The 18-year-old Brazilian striker is already drawing comparisons to legendary forwards for his finishing and movement.
• Sávio (Manchester City): The young winger’s dribbling and creativity have impressed in La Liga.
• Jhon Arias (Fluminense): Colombia’s versatile attacker is set for a breakout on the world stage.
• Federico Redondo (Inter Miami): The Argentine midfielder’s composure and passing could make him a revelation.
• Robert Sánchez (Chelsea): The Spanish goalkeeper may emerge as a key figure under pressure.

• Manchester City are the defending champions, having won the final edition of the old format in 2023.
• Real Madrid holds the record for most Club World Cup titles, with five wins.
• Lionel Messi will play for Inter Miami, aiming to add a fourth Club World Cup title to his collection.
• The tournament will feature 63 matches, making it the largest club competition ever staged.
• The new trophy, designed by Tiffany & Co., will be awarded to the winner at MetLife Stadium.
• The prize pool of $1 billion makes this the most lucrative club tournament in history.

Despite speculation, FIFA has confirmed that Barcelona will not be invited to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup; their absence is due to UEFA’s qualification rules and not as a result of Club León’s disqualification. All replacement and qualification decisions have strictly followed merit-based criteria, with no special invitations extended.

For fans and bettors, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup offers a unique opportunity to follow the world’s best clubs and emerging stars. At MyGameOdds.com’s dedicated FIFA Club World Cup page, you’ll find daily predictions, expert analysis, and the latest odds for every match. Our team tracks form, injuries, tactical changes, and statistical trends to deliver accurate forecasts and betting tips throughout the tournament.

Bookmark MyGameOdds.com’s dedicated FIFA Club World Cup page and check back daily for updated insights, match previews, and exclusive content on the world’s biggest club football event.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup ushers in a new era for global club football, with a 32-team format, record prize money, and a star-studded cast of clubs and players. As the world’s elite clubs descend on the United States, fans can look forward to a month of thrilling football, breakout stars, and unforgettable moments.

Stay ahead of the game with daily predictions and expert coverage at MyGameOdds.com’s dedicated FIFA Club World Cup page. Don’t miss a minute of the action as football history is made on American soil.