The first-ever 32-team Club World Cup is set to take place in June and July 2025, with matches held across 12 venues in the United States. The tournament will begin on June 15th at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium and conclude with the final on July 13th. By the time the draw occurs in Miami in December, all participating clubs will have been confirmed, including the final qualifier, which will emerge from the all-Brazilian CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores final between Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo on November 30th, 2024, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Several top football clubs have already secured their spots, including European giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and PSG, along with Al Hilal, Boca Juniors, and River Plate. However, the tournament has sparked criticism from players and managers over concerns about its demanding schedule. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti initially voiced opposition to the event, and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola has questioned FIFA’s expectation that teams field their strongest players, suggesting his squad may not feature their top stars next summer.
Despite these concerns, FIFA remains committed to the tournament's rollout. The official draw will take place in December as a live event starting at 19:00 CET. The expanded format and high-profile clubs are expected to generate global excitement, even as debates continue about the tournament's impact on players and the football calendar.
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