FIFA Club World Cup 2025: All You Need to Know About Teams, Venues & Messi’s Role

Photo : AP

FIFA Club World Cup 2025: What’s Happening This Summer in the USA?

You may be thinking the World Cup is next year — and you’re right! The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is for national teams, will take place next year. But this summer, the USA is hosting a different kind of football event: the FIFA Club World Cup.

This isn’t the first time the Club World Cup is happening. It’s been around since 2000, usually with 7 teams playing for about 10 days. But now FIFA has made it much bigger. This year’s version will have 32 teams, 63 matches, and it will take place in 11 cities across the US over four weeks.

Why Is This Club World Cup Special?
FIFA expanded the Club World Cup because they believe fans want more games and more global football. Teams will now play in a group stage followed by knockout rounds, similar to the regular World Cup format.

Which Teams Are Playing?
Not exactly the best 32 teams in the world — but close. Clubs that won their continental championships in the last four years will be there. Europe (UEFA) gets 12 spots, South America (CONMEBOL) gets 6, while other continents like Asia, Africa, North America, and Oceania get fewer.

Even though Manchester City won the last Club World Cup, new teams are coming in. And yes, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami got a special invite as the host team.

Full List of Qualified Teams
Asia (AFC):

• Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
• Al Ain (UAE)
• Ulsan (South Korea)

Africa (CAF):

• Al-Ahly (Egypt)
• Wydad (Morocco)
• Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)
• Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

North & Central America (CONCACAF):

• Monterrey (Mexico)
• Seattle Sounders (USA)
• Pachuca (Mexico)
• LAFC (USA)

South America (CONMEBOL):

• Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo (Brazil)
• River Plate, Boca Juniors (Argentina)

Europe (UEFA):

• Chelsea (England)
• Real Madrid (Spain)
• Manchester City (England)
• Bayern Munich (Germany)
• PSG (France)
• Inter Milan, Juventus (Italy)
• Porto, Benfica (Portugal)
• Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
• Atlético Madrid (Spain)
• RB Salzburg (Austria)

Oceania (OFC):

• Auckland City (New Zealand)

USA Host Slot:

• Inter Miami (USA)

Messi, Suárez, and Inter Miami: What’s the Story?
Inter Miami made it not through winning a final, but because they had the best record in the regular MLS season — and Messi is a global icon. Many believe that’s the real reason they got the spot.

Prize Money: How Much Will Teams Earn?
FIFA has put up $1 billion in total prize money. Every team gets paid just for joining:

• Oceania: $3.58 million
• Africa, Asia, North America: $9.55 million
• South America: $15.21 million
• Europe: $12.81m to $38.19m depending on club strength
• Match wins, draws, and progress in the tournament add more prize money (up to $40 million for the champion)

Players won’t get all the prize money directly, though. Each club decides how to divide it. Some players — like those in MLS — are upset because of limits on bonuses.

Where Will the Matches Be Played?
Some of the biggest and most famous stadiums in the US will host matches, including:

• MetLife Stadium (New Jersey) – Final, semi-finals, and group matches
• Rose Bowl (California)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
• Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
• And many more in cities like Seattle, Philadelphia, Orlando, Nashville, Cincinnati, and Washington, D.C.

Will People Actually Watch It?
That’s a big question. Even Messi’s first match in Miami hasn’t sold out. Around 20,000 tickets were sold in a 65,000-seat stadium. If Messi can’t fill the stands, it’s hard to say how games like Wydad vs Al Ain will go.

Still, big European teams like Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich should attract fans.

10 Players to Watch

• Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid
• Ousmane Dembélé – PSG
• Lionel Messi – Inter Miami
• Omar Marmoush – Manchester City
• Cole Palmer – Chelsea
• Denis Bouanga – LAFC
• Franco Mastantuono – River Plate
• Thomas Müller – Bayern Munich
• Weston McKennie – Juventus
• Estêvão – Palmeiras

Trump Factor?
There’s talk that Trump might use this event for attention — or ignore it completely. He’s already met FIFA boss Infantino and helped reveal the trophy.

How to Watch It?

• Worldwide: Watch every match live on Dazn
• USA: TNT Sports, Univision, TUDN, UniMás
• UK: Channel 5 (selected games)
• Australia: Foxtel and Kayo Sports

Who Will Win?
That depends on which clubs take it seriously. PSG and Real Madrid are strong. Don’t count out City, Bayern, or even South American clubs like Flamengo or River Plate.