Femi Fabunmi
The much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicks off today across the United States, ushering in a historic tournament that will see 32 of the best club sides from six confederations compete for global supremacy.
It marks the first expanded edition of the tournament, and for the players, coaches, fans and FIFA’s coffers it promises to be a spectacle of unmatched scale and stakes.
Clubs from every corner of the footballing world have landed on American soil, ready to chase the $40 million winner’s prize and their share of a $1 billion prize pool. While the tournament brings excitement and prestige, it also arrives amid concerns over player welfare, given its placement between Euro 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Global Contenders
From Europe, giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, PSG, and Juventus headline a star-studded list. Notably, Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan, Benfica, Porto, and Red Bull Salzburg are also in the mix, thanks to UEFA’s ranking-based slots.
South America is represented by a Brazilian powerhouse quartet—Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo—joined by Argentine heavyweights River Plate and Boca Juniors, all bringing the fiery passion of Copa Libertadores to U.S. shores.
From Africa, Egypt’s record champions Al Ahly, Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca, Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis, and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns are eager to prove that African clubs can compete at the highest level.
The Asian contingent features familiar names: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), Al Ain (UAE), and Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea)—all seasoned continental campaigners.
From North America, Monterrey, Pachuca, Seattle Sounders, and Los Angeles FC fly the flag, while Auckland City of New Zealand once again carries Oceania’s hopes.
Adding a local touch is Inter Miami, who qualified as host nation representatives after winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.
The Club World Cup will be staged in 13 venues across 11 U.S. cities, each offering a blend of historic significance and modern spectacle:
Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA) – The iconic stadium will see group and knockout action. It’s a venue etched in football history, having hosted the 1994 and 1999 World Cup finals.
MetLife Stadium (New Jersey) – The tournament’s centerpiece, it will host both semi-finals and the final in front of 82,500 fans.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia), Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte), and Camping World Stadium (Orlando) will share the quarter-finals and early knockout rounds.
Group matches will also play out in intimate but state-of-the-art MLS homes like:
Lumen Field (Seattle)
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens)
Geodis Park (Nashville)
TQL Stadium (Cincinnati)
Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando)
Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
This wide geographic spread ensures the tournament will be felt coast-to-coast, FIFA offering American fans a chance to witness top-tier global club football firsthand.
Financial Commitment
FIFA’s financial commitment to this tournament is jaw-dropping. Participation alone brings significant rewards: $3.58 million for Oceania’s Auckland City, $9.55 million for clubs from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF, and up to $38.19 million for top European teams, based on “sporting and commercial criteria.”
Winners can earn up to $40 million, while each group-stage win and draw fetches $2 million and $1 million, respectively. But not all are cheering. FIFPRO, the global players’ union, has expressed concern about player burnout, citing health risks from year-round football with barely any rest.
In Major League Soccer, there’s already unrest. A bonus cap dispute has emerged, with MLS players demanding a fairer share of potential winnings, especially as Inter Miami and LAFC represent the host nation.
