In a significant development for the world of football, the United States has been selected as the host for the restructured Club World Cup in 2025. This tournament will feature a notable expansion, with the participation of 32 elite men's teams, marking a new chapter in the sport's history.
The tournament's composition will be diverse, bringing together 12 teams from Europe, six from South America, four from each of the CONCACAF (North and Central America), CAF (Africa) and AFC (Asia) regions. The OFC (Oceania) will contribute one team, and an additional team will be chosen from the host nation, the USA. This diverse lineup is set to include past Champions League winners Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, amongst others.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, "The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the pinnacle of elite professional men's club football, and with the required infrastructure in place together with a massive local interest, the United States is the ideal host to kick off this new, global tournament." Infantino's words highlight the strategic role the US plays in the global football scenario, not only as a host but also as a significant contributor to the sport's development.
In addition to the Club World Cup, the United States, alongside Canada and Mexico, will also co-host the 2026 World Cup. The decision to select the US as the host for both prestigious events was influenced by its proven track record in conducting global events and the potential for synergies with the delivery of the 2026 World Cup.
This new format for the Club World Cup, which will now take place once every four years instead of annually, is set to commence after the 2023 edition in Saudi Arabia. However, an annual FIFA tournament will remain, bringing together the winners of each confederation's premier club competition.
While the exact dates for the tournament are yet to be confirmed, it is expected to take place in June 2025. The decision to host this expanded event has garnered support from the European Club Association, despite concerns expressed by the World Leagues Forum over the unilateral decision to introduce the event to the football calendar.
With the expanded format and the diverse representation, the 2025 Club World Cup in the US promises to be a festival of football that fans around the globe eagerly anticipate. The countdown has begun, and the world of football is waiting in anticipation for this new era.
