FIFA plans first 32-team Club World Cup in the US for 2025

In June 2025, the United States will host the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, including Manchester City and Chelsea from England, who qualified by winning the Champions League. The tournament, spanning from June 14 to July 13, will consist of 63 matches played across various venues in the U.S., marking a significant change from the previous format that involved only seven teams. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami will controversially play in the opening match against Al Ahly, having been granted a spot as the host nation's representative despite not winning the MLS Cup. The tournament has ignited significant debate regarding player welfare, with soccer unions criticizing FIFA's decision to implement such an extensive competition in the summer, traditionally reserved for rest periods in European soccer. This new format requires clubs to field their strongest squads, raising concerns about player fatigue and the implications on domestic leagues. There are fears that Manchester City and Chelsea, participating in both the Club World Cup and domestic matches, may struggle to maintain player fitness as they juggle an intensely packed schedule. Furthermore, FIFA has secured a $1 billion broadcasting deal with DAZN, aiming to broadcast the tournament for free across various platforms. The financial implications of this arrangement are substantial, as it is expected to benefit the participating clubs significantly, with Manchester City and Chelsea anticipated to earn between £50 million to £60 million for their involvement. This potential windfall has raised questions among rival clubs about fairness and financial competitiveness within the league as they may struggle to match these sums through traditional revenue streams. As the draw for the tournament looms, FIFA's governance and planning are increasingly scrutinized amid allegations of favoritism and poor communication with major leagues and player unions. The new Club World Cup format has been welcomed by many but viewed cynically by some, as it risks further congesting players' calendars and challenging the balance between club and international commitments. The 2025 Club World Cup represents both a bold growth plan for FIFA and a pivotal moment for clubs worldwide as they confront the evolving landscape of soccer’s global competitions.