FIFA Unveils 2025 Club World Cup Venues in New York

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the venues for the 2025 Club World Cup during the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, New York. The tournament will feature 16 teams and is set to take place in the United States, coinciding with the 2025 CONCACAF men’s Gold Cup. Only two west-coast stadiums, Lumen Field and the Rose Bowl, have been selected due to scheduling conflicts with other major tournaments. The Sounders, a local team, are expected to play at Lumen Field. The qualification process for clubs participating in the tournament remains unclear, with FIFA yet to disclose details on how teams will earn their spots. Two clubs will represent CONCACAF, with one slot going to the winner of the 2024 Copa Libertadores. The Intercontinental Cup will also be held for the first time this year, with its final scheduled for December 18. Concerns regarding player welfare have been raised, as the expanded Club World Cup may reduce recovery time for players at the end of the 2024-25 season. FIFA has acknowledged these concerns and established a task force to address player welfare principles, including mandatory rest periods. The timing of the tournament overlaps with other significant international competitions, potentially impacting players' schedules. The International Match Calendar, which includes the restructured Club World Cup, was approved earlier this year, indicating a commitment to balancing club and international football. The implications of this new tournament format will be closely monitored as it unfolds in the coming years.