FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Full Preview, Teams, Betting & Schedule

The summer of 2025 will mark the first edition of FIFA’s rebranded and revamped tournament that’s set to reshape club football on a global scale – the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

The competition will take place from 14 June to 13 July across the United States, featuring 32 teams, 63 matches, and a total prize pool of a massive $1 billion.

Unlike previous editions of the Club World Cup – often seen as glorified exhibition matches mid-season – this year’s tournament brings real stakes and serious competitive weight, positioning it among the most prestigious events on the football calendar.

Club World Cup Tournament Format and Structure

The new format features eight groups of four teams, each playing three group-stage matches. The top two from each group advance to the knockout stage, starting from the Round of 16.

All knockout matches will be single-leg ties – there will be no second legs, and no third-place match either. This aligns with FIFA’s emphasis on a straightforward battle for the trophy.

Games will be played at 12 stadiums across the U.S., with MetLife Stadium in New York hosting the final, and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami – also known for hosting Formula 1 races – kicking things off.

It will be a real test for the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host alongside Mexico and Canada.

Who’s Playing: Team List and Key Players

The tournament features clubs from all six FIFA confederations:

• UEFA (Europe) – 12 clubs: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern, PSG, Chelsea, Inter, Juventus, Benfica, Porto, Dortmund, Atlético Madrid, Salzburg

• CONMEBOL (South America) – 6 clubs: Flamengo, Palmeiras, Boca Juniors, River Plate, Fluminense, Botafogo

• CAF (Africa) – 4 clubs: Al Ahly, Wydad, Espérance, Mamelodi Sundowns

• AFC (Asia) – 4 clubs: Al Hilal, Urawa, Ulsan HD, Al Ain

• Concacaf (North/Central America & Caribbean) – 4 clubs: Monterrey, Pachuca, Seattle Sounders, LAFC

• OFC (Oceania) – 1 club: Auckland City

• Host Nation – 1 club: Inter Miami

Key Players & Biggest Stars at the Club World Cup

Some of the key players expected to light up the tournament include:

Rodri and Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – Last season’s Ballon d’Or winner is set to return after an ACL injury, with some minutes already under his belt at the end of the Premier League campaign. Haaland will be on a mission, as Guardiola’s side looks to bounce back after a tough second half of the season.

Mbappé, Bellingham, Vini Jr. (Real Madrid) – A trio capable of dominating the tournament. Los Blancos may well be the most popular team at the Club World Cup. New manager Xabi Alonso will aim to showcase his philosophy at the world’s most decorated football club.

Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Doué (PSG) – A newly formed front line chasing their first world title, after winning the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

Estevão Willian (Palmeiras) – The young star bids farewell to South America before his move to Chelsea. European audiences will get a first glimpse of the player Chelsea is banking on for the future.

Lionel Messi & Luis Suárez (Inter Miami) – Inter Miami may not be among the favourites, but Messi’s presence – alongside Suárez and others – guarantees global attention.

Club World Cup Favourites & Teams to Watch

From a betting perspective, European clubs naturally draw the most attention – especially Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, who arrive as clear frontrunners. Still, the summer format, travel demands, and unpredictable conditions mean surprises – and value bets – are very much on the cards.

Real Madrid

With a new coaching setup and a reinforced squad, Madrid will be serious contenders. They’re no strangers to FIFA tournaments – but how they adapt to the single-match format remains to be seen.

Manchester City

Rodri’s return and Guardiola’s structure make them dangerous, though motivation and summer fatigue could play a role. After a disappointing season, City will be hungry for redemption.

PSG

No Mbappé, but a fresh attacking lineup that proved itself in the Champions League. Can they shine again? Don’t count out Luis Enrique’s side.

Botafogo, Flamengo, Palmeiras

South American clubs often thrive in these tournaments – the climate, tempo, and intensity suit them. They’ll be dangerous opponents for anyone.

Al Hilal

Stacked with individual quality and coached by Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal has what it takes to knock out top sides – with betting odds that offer genuine value.

Betting on FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with tether.bet

This tournament offers a unique opportunity for sharp bettors, especially those attuned to factors such as:

• Travel fatigue and match rhythm – European teams will be in pre-season, while South American and Asian clubs arrive match-fit and mid-season.

• Tactical styles and motivation – Smaller clubs often show more hunger and adapt faster.

• Single-match format – One game decides everything, levelling the playing field and opening the door for upsets.

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The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 isn’t just an expanded tournament – it’s a global test of club football’s balance of power, where every team competes under the same conditions, with nothing handed out.

It promises exciting matches, a summer of drama, and huge betting opportunities.

On the pitch, competition has never been tighter. On tether.bet, smart betting is just getting started.