The draw for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup takes place in Miami on Thursday, with officials revealing first round groups for the 32 teams taking part.
AFP takes a look at some of the facts and figures surrounding the expanded tournament, which will take place across the United States next year from June 15 to July 13.
The concept of a tournament to crown the world’s greatest club team has existed for more than half a century.
The Intercontinental Cup — pitting the champions of Europe against the South American champions — was regarded as the de facto world championship for clubs following its launch in 1960, when the legendary Real Madrid side of Alfredo di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas defeated Uruguay’s Penarol over two legs.
In 2000, FIFA launched its Club World Cup, an eight-team tournament staged in Brazil won by Corinthians at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. A seven-team format has been used in recent editions.
The 2025 tournament will feature 32 teams, making it the largest global club tournament in football history.
• WHO’S PLAYING –
Thirty-two teams will contest the tournament, with Europe providing 12 teams, South America six, and four each from Africa, Asia and CONCACAF (North and Central America, Caribbean). Additionally Oceania will provide one team, while the United States as host nation has an additional slot.
Teams:
Africa — Al Ahly (EGY), Wydad (MAR), Es Tunis (TUN), Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA)
Asia — Al Hilal (KSA), Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN), Al Ain (UAE), Ulsan HD FC (KOR)
Europe — Chelsea (ENG), Real Madrid (ESP), Manchester City (ENG), Bayern Munich (GER), Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Inter Milan (ITA), Porto (POR), Benfica (POR), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Juventus (ITA), Atletico Madrid (ESP), RB Salzburg (AUT)
North, Central America and Caribbean — Monterrey (MEX), Seattle Sounders (USA), Club Leon (MEX), Pachuca (MEX)
Oceania — Auckland City (NZL)
South America — Palmeiras (BRA), Flamengo (BRA), Fluminense (BRA), Botafogo (BRA), River Plate (ARG), Boca Juniors (ARG)
Host nation slot — Inter Miami (USA)
• STADIUMS –
A total of 12 venues will host the 63 matches staged across the United States. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will host the opening game of the tournament, while the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey/New York will stage the final.
Venues:
Mercedes Benz-Stadium – Atlanta, Georgia
TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, Ohio
Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, North Carolina
Rose Bowl Stadium – Pasadena, California
Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida
Geodis Park – Nashville, Tennessee
MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey
Camping World Stadium – Orlando, Florida
Inter&Co Stadium – Orlando, Florida
Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Lumen Field – Seattle, Washington
