The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, set to take place from June 14 to July 13 in the United States, promises to be a landmark event in global soccer. Featuring an expanded format with 32 teams from every continent, the tournament showcases some of the biggest clubs and players in the world. Among the standout names are Brazilians Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo, both from Real Madrid, who rank among the top ten most valuable players in the competition, according to Transfermarkt data. Real Madrid dominates the list, placing five players at the top, underscoring their financial and sporting prowess. Additionally, four Brazilian teams—Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo—will represent South America, all having earned their spots through recent Copa Libertadores triumphs.
Scheduled across 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, including iconic venues like MetLife Stadium and Hard Rock Stadium, the tournament is generating immense anticipation. The group stage draw, held in December 2024, set up thrilling matchups, with clubs like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain facing formidable opponents. The inclusion of teams like Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, and Al-Hilal, featuring stars like Neymar, adds even more star power. For Brazilian fans, the chance to see their clubs take on European giants is a major draw, especially in a tournament expected to distribute over $1 billion in prize money.
The new format, inspired by the FIFA World Cup, organizes the 32 teams into eight groups of four. Each club will play three matches in the initial phase, with the top two from each group advancing to the round of 16. From there, the competition shifts to single-elimination knockout rounds, with extra time and penalties if needed, culminating in the final on July 13. FIFA, the event’s organizer, is banking on a global spectacle, with free streaming on DAZN and extensive social media coverage, including a groundbreaking move allowing clubs to broadcast the draw on their own channels.
Most valuable players in the Club World Cup
The ranking of the most valuable players in the 2025 Club World Cup highlights the economic dominance of European clubs while showcasing Brazilian talent. Vinicius Júnior, valued at €200 million, shares the top spot with Erling Haaland of Manchester City. The list also features heavyweights like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, both from Real Madrid, alongside rising stars like Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala.
- Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid): €200 million, known for his speed and dribbling.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): €200 million, a prolific goal-scorer and attacking reference.
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): €180 million, a versatile midfielder and on-field leader.
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): €170 million, renowned for his explosiveness and goal-scoring instinct.
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich): €140 million, a young talent with refined technique.
- Rodri (Manchester City): €130 million, a defensive anchor and midfield organizer.
- Phil Foden (Manchester City): €130 million, a homegrown talent with unique vision.
- Federico Valverde (Real Madrid): €130 million, the engine of Real’s midfield.
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea): €130 million, an attacking midfielder on the rise in English soccer.
- Rodrygo (Real Madrid): €100 million, a Brazilian forward with a knack for goals.
Brazil’s strength in the tournament
Four Brazilian clubs secured their places in the Club World Cup, all recent Copa Libertadores champions. Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo represent South American soccer, joined by Argentina’s River Plate and Boca Juniors, who qualified via CONMEBOL’s ranking. Brazil’s strong presence reflects the country’s dominance in the continental competition, with consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024.
Palmeiras, a three-time Libertadores champion, opens Group A alongside Porto, Al Ahly, and Inter Miami. The São Paulo-based club, known for its tactical discipline, faces the challenge of competing against storied teams and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, making its global debut. Flamengo, in Group D, will take on Chelsea, Espérance de Tunis, and Club León in matches that will test their squad’s depth. Fluminense, in Group F, faces Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, and Mamelodi Sundowns, while Botafogo, the 2024 Libertadores champion, is in Group B with Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético de Madrid, and Seattle Sounders.
Each Brazilian team brings unique ambitions. Palmeiras aims to cement its continental dominance on the global stage, while Flamengo, backed by its passionate fanbase, dreams of the title that eluded them in 1981. Fluminense, buoyed by their 2023 triumph, relies on veterans like Marcelo to pull off upsets. Botafogo, in its first Club World Cup appearance, arrives as an underdog but with the confidence of a team that conquered the Libertadores against tough odds.
A truly global tournament
The 2025 Club World Cup stands out for its diversity, featuring teams from six continental confederations. Europe leads with 12 clubs, including powerhouses like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea, all recent Champions League winners. South America, with six spots, is dominated by Brazil and Argentina, while North and Central America contribute four Mexican teams—Monterrey, Club León, Pachuca—and the U.S.’s Seattle Sounders.
Africa is well-represented with Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Espérance de Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns, clubs that rule the continent. Asia brings Al-Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Ulsan Hyundai, and Al Ain, each with competitive squads and regional stars. Oceania’s Auckland City rounds out the field, representing FIFA’s smallest confederation. Inter Miami’s inclusion, earned as the host nation’s Supporters’ Shield winner, adds a touch of glamour, with Messi as the main attraction.
This geographical diversity is a cornerstone of the new format. FIFA structured the draw to avoid group-stage matchups between teams from the same continent, except for Europe, which can have up to two clubs per group. This rule ensures exciting clashes, such as Palmeiras vs. Inter Miami or Botafogo vs. Paris Saint-Germain, blending distinct playing styles and soccer cultures.
🎟️⤵️
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) April 12, 2025
World-class stadiums and infrastructure
The Club World Cup matches will be played in 12 renowned stadiums across cities like Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will host the opening match, while MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is set for the final. Other venues, like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, are known for their large capacities and history of hosting major sporting events.
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami): Opening match venue, with a capacity of 65,000.
- MetLife Stadium (New Jersey): Final’s host, accommodating 82,000 spectators.
- Rose Bowl (Pasadena): Historic stadium with 92,000 seats.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta): Modern arena with 71,000 seats.
- Lumen Field (Seattle): Home of Seattle Sounders, with 69,000 seats.
The selection of stadiums reflects FIFA’s ambition to make the tournament a global spectacle. The U.S.’s infrastructure, combined with its experience hosting major events like the NFL and MLS, ensures ideal conditions for players and fans. The event also serves as a test run for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, particularly in terms of logistics and fan experience.
Expectations and challenges for the clubs
Preparing for the Club World Cup demands meticulous planning, especially for teams from distant continents like South America and Asia. Long travels, time zone adjustments, and the intensity of matches pose significant challenges. For Brazilian clubs, the June-July window overlaps with the domestic season, potentially affecting player fitness.
European teams, conversely, enter the tournament after their leagues conclude, giving them a rest advantage. However, the pressure to perform is immense, particularly for clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City, which boast high-investment squads. Real Madrid’s roster, valued at over €1.3 billion, is the most expensive in the tournament, while Manchester City’s, featuring Haaland, Rodri, and Foden, is close behind at nearly €1.2 billion.
South American clubs face both technical and financial hurdles. Despite individual talents like Vinicius and Rodrygo, Brazilian teams operate with budgets far smaller than their European counterparts. Palmeiras, for instance, has a squad valued at around €200 million, a fraction of UEFA rivals. Still, South America’s grit and tradition can level the playing field, as seen in past editions of the Club World Cup.
Brazilian teams’ match schedule
The Brazilian clubs kick off on different dates, with games spread across the tournament’s opening week. FIFA released the initial schedule, adjusted to Brasília time for Brazilian fans’ convenience.
- June 15: Palmeiras vs. Porto, 6:00 PM, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
- June 15: Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders, 10:00 PM, Lumen Field, Seattle.
- June 16: Flamengo vs. Espérance, 9:00 PM, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
- June 17: Fluminense vs. Borussia Dortmund, 12:00 PM, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
These opening matches will set the tone for the Brazilian teams. Palmeiras faces a seasoned Porto, while Botafogo has a chance to upset in a stadium favoring the home side. Flamengo, against Espérance, aims for a confidence-boosting win, and Fluminense faces a tough test against Borussia Dortmund, a recent Champions League semifinalist.
Economic and media impact
The 2025 Club World Cup is more than a sporting event—it’s a major economic driver. FIFA anticipates distributing over $1 billion in prize money, with substantial sums even for group-stage eliminations. For Brazilian clubs, this revenue could be transformative, funding infrastructure, signings, and youth academies.
Media coverage will also set the tournament apart. DAZN, FIFA’s official partner, will stream all matches for free, reaching millions globally. The decision to let clubs broadcast the draw on their social media channels boosted the event’s reach, particularly among younger fans. In Brazil, CazéTV, on YouTube and Twitch, will air select games, ensuring broad access.
Stars like Messi, Neymar, Vinicius, and Haaland amplify the tournament’s commercial appeal. Brands like AB InBev and Hisense have secured sponsorships, with more expected to join. Host cities anticipate millions in revenue from tourism, impacting sectors like hospitality and transportation.
Fun facts about the Club World Cup
The 2025 tournament brings a host of intriguing details that enhance its global significance. From its diverse lineup to its innovative structure, there’s plenty to highlight.
- First 32-team edition: The expanded format replaces the previous seven-team model.
- Traveling trophy: The Club World Cup trophy will visit all participating clubs’ cities starting in January 2025.
- Messi’s presence: Inter Miami, led by the Argentine, makes its global competition debut, drawing worldwide attention.
- Brazilian referees: Officials like Wilton Pereira Sampaio and Ramon Abatti Abel will represent Brazil.
- No third-place match: Unlike the World Cup, the tournament focuses solely on the final, skipping a bronze-medal game.
The road to the final
The group stage is just the start of a thrilling journey. After three rounds, the 16 teams advancing to the round of 16 will face single-elimination matches, testing strategy and stamina. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and final follow the same format, with extra time and penalties if needed.
For Brazilian teams, reaching the final at MetLife Stadium means overcoming tough opponents. Palmeiras could face Manchester City or Real Madrid in later stages, if they advance. Flamengo, with its history of resilience, must contend with Chelsea’s strength, while Fluminense banks on team unity to upset Borussia Dortmund. Botafogo, the underdog, has a chance to make history, fresh off its Libertadores triumph.
The tournament also serves as a stage for young talents. Beyond Musiala and Bellingham, players like Real Madrid’s Endrick and Palmeiras’ Estevão Willian could shine globally. For fans, the Club World Cup offers a chance to witness the best of world soccer, with matchups blending tradition, innovation, and passion.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, set to take place from June 14 to July 13 in the United States, promises to be a landmark event in global soccer. Featuring an expanded format with 32 teams from every continent, the tournament showcases some of the biggest clubs and players in the world. Among the standout names are Brazilians Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo, both from Real Madrid, who rank among the top ten most valuable players in the competition, according to Transfermarkt data. Real Madrid dominates the list, placing five players at the top, underscoring their financial and sporting prowess. Additionally, four Brazilian teams—Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo—will represent South America, all having earned their spots through recent Copa Libertadores triumphs.
Scheduled across 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, including iconic venues like MetLife Stadium and Hard Rock Stadium, the tournament is generating immense anticipation. The group stage draw, held in December 2024, set up thrilling matchups, with clubs like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain facing formidable opponents. The inclusion of teams like Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, and Al-Hilal, featuring stars like Neymar, adds even more star power. For Brazilian fans, the chance to see their clubs take on European giants is a major draw, especially in a tournament expected to distribute over $1 billion in prize money.
The new format, inspired by the FIFA World Cup, organizes the 32 teams into eight groups of four. Each club will play three matches in the initial phase, with the top two from each group advancing to the round of 16. From there, the competition shifts to single-elimination knockout rounds, with extra time and penalties if needed, culminating in the final on July 13. FIFA, the event’s organizer, is banking on a global spectacle, with free streaming on DAZN and extensive social media coverage, including a groundbreaking move allowing clubs to broadcast the draw on their own channels.
Most valuable players in the Club World Cup
The ranking of the most valuable players in the 2025 Club World Cup highlights the economic dominance of European clubs while showcasing Brazilian talent. Vinicius Júnior, valued at €200 million, shares the top spot with Erling Haaland of Manchester City. The list also features heavyweights like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, both from Real Madrid, alongside rising stars like Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala.
- Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid): €200 million, known for his speed and dribbling.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): €200 million, a prolific goal-scorer and attacking reference.
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): €180 million, a versatile midfielder and on-field leader.
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): €170 million, renowned for his explosiveness and goal-scoring instinct.
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich): €140 million, a young talent with refined technique.
- Rodri (Manchester City): €130 million, a defensive anchor and midfield organizer.
- Phil Foden (Manchester City): €130 million, a homegrown talent with unique vision.
- Federico Valverde (Real Madrid): €130 million, the engine of Real’s midfield.
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea): €130 million, an attacking midfielder on the rise in English soccer.
- Rodrygo (Real Madrid): €100 million, a Brazilian forward with a knack for goals.
Brazil’s strength in the tournament
Four Brazilian clubs secured their places in the Club World Cup, all recent Copa Libertadores champions. Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo represent South American soccer, joined by Argentina’s River Plate and Boca Juniors, who qualified via CONMEBOL’s ranking. Brazil’s strong presence reflects the country’s dominance in the continental competition, with consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024.
Palmeiras, a three-time Libertadores champion, opens Group A alongside Porto, Al Ahly, and Inter Miami. The São Paulo-based club, known for its tactical discipline, faces the challenge of competing against storied teams and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, making its global debut. Flamengo, in Group D, will take on Chelsea, Espérance de Tunis, and Club León in matches that will test their squad’s depth. Fluminense, in Group F, faces Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, and Mamelodi Sundowns, while Botafogo, the 2024 Libertadores champion, is in Group B with Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético de Madrid, and Seattle Sounders.
Each Brazilian team brings unique ambitions. Palmeiras aims to cement its continental dominance on the global stage, while Flamengo, backed by its passionate fanbase, dreams of the title that eluded them in 1981. Fluminense, buoyed by their 2023 triumph, relies on veterans like Marcelo to pull off upsets. Botafogo, in its first Club World Cup appearance, arrives as an underdog but with the confidence of a team that conquered the Libertadores against tough odds.
A truly global tournament
The 2025 Club World Cup stands out for its diversity, featuring teams from six continental confederations. Europe leads with 12 clubs, including powerhouses like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea, all recent Champions League winners. South America, with six spots, is dominated by Brazil and Argentina, while North and Central America contribute four Mexican teams—Monterrey, Club León, Pachuca—and the U.S.’s Seattle Sounders.
Africa is well-represented with Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Espérance de Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns, clubs that rule the continent. Asia brings Al-Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Ulsan Hyundai, and Al Ain, each with competitive squads and regional stars. Oceania’s Auckland City rounds out the field, representing FIFA’s smallest confederation. Inter Miami’s inclusion, earned as the host nation’s Supporters’ Shield winner, adds a touch of glamour, with Messi as the main attraction.
This geographical diversity is a cornerstone of the new format. FIFA structured the draw to avoid group-stage matchups between teams from the same continent, except for Europe, which can have up to two clubs per group. This rule ensures exciting clashes, such as Palmeiras vs. Inter Miami or Botafogo vs. Paris Saint-Germain, blending distinct playing styles and soccer cultures.
🎟️⤵️
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) April 12, 2025
World-class stadiums and infrastructure
The Club World Cup matches will be played in 12 renowned stadiums across cities like Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will host the opening match, while MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is set for the final. Other venues, like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, are known for their large capacities and history of hosting major sporting events.
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami): Opening match venue, with a capacity of 65,000.
- MetLife Stadium (New Jersey): Final’s host, accommodating 82,000 spectators.
- Rose Bowl (Pasadena): Historic stadium with 92,000 seats.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta): Modern arena with 71,000 seats.
- Lumen Field (Seattle): Home of Seattle Sounders, with 69,000 seats.
The selection of stadiums reflects FIFA’s ambition to make the tournament a global spectacle. The U.S.’s infrastructure, combined with its experience hosting major events like the NFL and MLS, ensures ideal conditions for players and fans. The event also serves as a test run for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, particularly in terms of logistics and fan experience.
Expectations and challenges for the clubs
Preparing for the Club World Cup demands meticulous planning, especially for teams from distant continents like South America and Asia. Long travels, time zone adjustments, and the intensity of matches pose significant challenges. For Brazilian clubs, the June-July window overlaps with the domestic season, potentially affecting player fitness.
European teams, conversely, enter the tournament after their leagues conclude, giving them a rest advantage. However, the pressure to perform is immense, particularly for clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City, which boast high-investment squads. Real Madrid’s roster, valued at over €1.3 billion, is the most expensive in the tournament, while Manchester City’s, featuring Haaland, Rodri, and Foden, is close behind at nearly €1.2 billion.
South American clubs face both technical and financial hurdles. Despite individual talents like Vinicius and Rodrygo, Brazilian teams operate with budgets far smaller than their European counterparts. Palmeiras, for instance, has a squad valued at around €200 million, a fraction of UEFA rivals. Still, South America’s grit and tradition can level the playing field, as seen in past editions of the Club World Cup.
Brazilian teams’ match schedule
The Brazilian clubs kick off on different dates, with games spread across the tournament’s opening week. FIFA released the initial schedule, adjusted to Brasília time for Brazilian fans’ convenience.
- June 15: Palmeiras vs. Porto, 6:00 PM, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
- June 15: Botafogo vs. Seattle Sounders, 10:00 PM, Lumen Field, Seattle.
- June 16: Flamengo vs. Espérance, 9:00 PM, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
- June 17: Fluminense vs. Borussia Dortmund, 12:00 PM, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
These opening matches will set the tone for the Brazilian teams. Palmeiras faces a seasoned Porto, while Botafogo has a chance to upset in a stadium favoring the home side. Flamengo, against Espérance, aims for a confidence-boosting win, and Fluminense faces a tough test against Borussia Dortmund, a recent Champions League semifinalist.
Economic and media impact
The 2025 Club World Cup is more than a sporting event—it’s a major economic driver. FIFA anticipates distributing over $1 billion in prize money, with substantial sums even for group-stage eliminations. For Brazilian clubs, this revenue could be transformative, funding infrastructure, signings, and youth academies.
Media coverage will also set the tournament apart. DAZN, FIFA’s official partner, will stream all matches for free, reaching millions globally. The decision to let clubs broadcast the draw on their social media channels boosted the event’s reach, particularly among younger fans. In Brazil, CazéTV, on YouTube and Twitch, will air select games, ensuring broad access.
Stars like Messi, Neymar, Vinicius, and Haaland amplify the tournament’s commercial appeal. Brands like AB InBev and Hisense have secured sponsorships, with more expected to join. Host cities anticipate millions in revenue from tourism, impacting sectors like hospitality and transportation.
Fun facts about the Club World Cup
The 2025 tournament brings a host of intriguing details that enhance its global significance. From its diverse lineup to its innovative structure, there’s plenty to highlight.
- First 32-team edition: The expanded format replaces the previous seven-team model.
- Traveling trophy: The Club World Cup trophy will visit all participating clubs’ cities starting in January 2025.
- Messi’s presence: Inter Miami, led by the Argentine, makes its global competition debut, drawing worldwide attention.
- Brazilian referees: Officials like Wilton Pereira Sampaio and Ramon Abatti Abel will represent Brazil.
- No third-place match: Unlike the World Cup, the tournament focuses solely on the final, skipping a bronze-medal game.
The road to the final
The group stage is just the start of a thrilling journey. After three rounds, the 16 teams advancing to the round of 16 will face single-elimination matches, testing strategy and stamina. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and final follow the same format, with extra time and penalties if needed.
For Brazilian teams, reaching the final at MetLife Stadium means overcoming tough opponents. Palmeiras could face Manchester City or Real Madrid in later stages, if they advance. Flamengo, with its history of resilience, must contend with Chelsea’s strength, while Fluminense banks on team unity to upset Borussia Dortmund. Botafogo, the underdog, has a chance to make history, fresh off its Libertadores triumph.
The tournament also serves as a stage for young talents. Beyond Musiala and Bellingham, players like Real Madrid’s Endrick and Palmeiras’ Estevão Willian could shine globally. For fans, the Club World Cup offers a chance to witness the best of world soccer, with matchups blending tradition, innovation, and passion.
