All You Need to Know About the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

SOCCER
June 2, 2025

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FIFA Club World Cup Odds and News

From Humble Origins to a Global Showcase

The FIFA Club World Cup has undergone significant evolution since its inception in 2000. Conceived initially to pit the best club teams from each continent against each other, the tournament was initially seen as a novelty. However, it quickly grew into one of FIFA’s marquee international competitions. With traditional formats featuring just seven teams—six continental champions plus the host nation’s league winner—the tournament has provided some unforgettable moments, including upsets and legendary performances from global stars.

However, the 2025 edition marks a dramatic evolution. FIFA has expanded the tournament to a full 32-team format, mirroring the FIFA World Cup. This new format is intended to elevate the event into a premier showcase of club football, blending prestige, commercial appeal, and elite competition.

In past tournaments, giants like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Corinthians have etched their names into history. This year, the expanded format and enhanced global visibility mean that the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is more than a tournament; it’s a statement.

 

What’s New in the 2025 Edition?

FIFA’s decision to overhaul the Club World Cup format adds a level of glory never before seen in this competition. The 2025 version will consist of 32 teams, divided into 8 groups of 4, similar to the traditional FIFA World Cup. The top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stage.

The competition will be held in the United States, acting as a soft launch pad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It will help assess stadium readiness, fan logistics, and infrastructure support—crucial elements for the upcoming global tournament.

This year’s trophy has also been redesigned, symbolizing the new era of the tournament. Made of 18-karat gold and standing taller than previous versions, it will be a coveted prize among the world’s top clubs.

 

How the Teams Reach the Tournament

With 32 teams qualifying for the first-ever expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, each confederation has followed distinct paths to send its best representatives to the global stage. Here’s how each group earned its place.

UEFA (Europe)

Qualified 12 clubs based on their performance in the UEFA Champions League over a four-year cycle (2021–2024). The winners of each UCL season earned automatic berths—Chelsea (2021), Real Madrid (2022-2024), and Manchester City (2023). Additional high-performing clubs, such as Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Inter Milan, among others, qualified via the UEFA ranking system, which rewards consistent elite performance.

CONMEBOL (South America)

Six South American clubs earned spots primarily through the Copa Libertadores. Palmeiras (2021), Flamengo (2022), and Fluminense (2023) secured automatic entries by winning the tournament. Clubs like River Plate, Boca Juniors, and Botafogo were selected based on historical points accumulated in recent editions and consistent performances in continental competitions.

AFC (Asia)

Asia qualified four clubs through the AFC Champions League winners from 2021 to 2024. Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, and Al Ain secured places by lifting the trophy in their respective years, while Ulsan HD earned their spot through consistent knockout-stage appearances and AFC performance rankings.

CAF (Africa)

CAF Champions League victories and rankings determined Africa’s four teams. Al Ahly (multiple-time winner), Wydad Casablanca, Esperance de Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns all earned their way through championship runs or cumulative performance in the competition.

CONCACAF (North & Central America)

Monterrey, Pachuca, and Seattle Sounders qualified by winning the CONCACAF Champions League. A final spot, either LAFC or Club América, is determined by club performance metrics. Inter Miami qualifies automatically as the host nation’s representative.

OFC (Oceania)

Auckland City, the dominant team in the OFC Champions League, has qualified multiple times by winning the continental title, showcasing regional supremacy and tournament consistency.

 

Tournament Information and Key Highlights

Key Dates to Watch:

  • Inauguration Match: June 14, 2025
  • Semi-Finals: July 9–10, 2025
  • Final: July 13, 2025

Host Venues and Stadium Capacities:

These stadiums not only reflect the glory of the tournament but also provide critical testing grounds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Expect packed stands, passionate fans, and logistical excellence.

 

Key Players to Watch:

These talents not only define their clubs but also shape the FIFA Club World Cup Odds, drawing massive betting interest.

 

What to Expect from the CWC

The 2025 edition isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s a preview of the future. The tournament will highlight the growing influence of CONCACAF, the tactical superiority of European clubs, and the passion of South American contenders. Analysts expect it to mirror the competitive intensity seen in FIFA World Cup Odds and spark a betting frenzy globally.

 

Deep Team-by-Team Analysis

 

AFC (Asian Football Confederation)

Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

A perennial powerhouse in Asian football, Al Hilal arrives in the U.S. with a star-studded squad featuring global talent and seasoned veterans. Known for their tactical fluidity and swift counter-attacks, they’ll be a team to watch. Their odds in the FIFA Club World Cup Odds market are among the highest from Asia.

Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

Disciplined, structured, and efficient, Urawa Red Diamonds have experience on their side. Their Japanese domestic success, combined with a passionate fan base, could spark an underdog run.

Al Ain (UAE)

Runners-up in the 2018 edition, Al Ain possesses a solid defensive block and an emphasis on set pieces. Their ability to frustrate more flamboyant teams makes them a wildcard in group play.

Ulsan HD (South Korea)

Known for their fitness, pressing, and discipline, Ulsan’s success will hinge on transitions and exploiting space behind defensive lines. Their youth development pipeline adds depth.

 

CAF (Confederation of African Football)

Al Ahly (Egypt)

Africa’s most decorated club brings experience, tactical intelligence, and depth. Their pressing game and ability to control midfield battles make them strong competitors in the FIFA Club World Cup Odds landscape.

Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

Their 2022 CAF Champions League title and a strong defensive identity make Wydad a formidable side. Expect them to play compact and rely on clinical counter-attacks.

Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia)

A veteran team with North African tactical discipline, Esperance can outwit teams tactically. Their odds may be moderate, but they’re capable of upsets.

Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

This team plays attractive football, focusing on ball retention and flair. They will aim to prove that South African club soccer belongs on the world stage.

 

CONCACAF (North, Central America & Caribbean)

Monterrey (Mexico)

The Mexican giants combine power and technique. Their previous Club World Cup experience gives them a psychological edge and makes them a popular choice among those exploring FIFA Club World Cup Odds.

Seattle Sounders (USA)

Representing MLS with home-soil advantage, the Sounders blend direct play and technical finesse. Their crowd support and strategic style give them real upset potential.

Pachuca (Mexico)

Known for producing talent and its solid youth structure, Pachuca arrives with a balance of experience and speed. They’ll challenge more established teams.

Los Angeles FC 

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) secured their spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by defeating Mexico’s Club América 2-1 in extra time during a playoff match on May 31, 2025. After falling behind to a penalty by former LAFC player Brian Rodríguez, LAFC equalized in the 89th minute with a header from Igor Jesus. Denis Bouanga then scored the decisive goal in the 115th minute, assisted by Olivier Giroud, clinching the victory and a $9.55 million participation prize. This win filled the final slot in the expanded 32-team tournament, following Club León’s disqualification due to FIFA’s rules against multi-club ownership.

Inter Miami (USA – Host Spot)

With global icon Lionel Messi leading the line, Inter Miami has gone from newcomers to serious contenders. Their matches will heavily influence FIFA Club World Cup Odds, with bettors eyeing Messi’s impact.

 

CONMEBOL (South America)

Palmeiras (Brazil)

Strong in transition and tactically sound, Palmeiras features Brazil’s next big thing—Endrick. They are likely to be South America’s top representatives in pre-tournament soccer odds.

Fluminense (Brazil)

Tactical flair, high tempo, and attacking talent define Fluminense. Their unpredictability makes them both dangerous and entertaining.

Flamengo (Brazil)

An aggressive attacking side with stars like Gabriel Barbosa. Their experience in high-stakes South American clashes translates well to international play.

Botafogo (Brazil)

Recently resurgent, Botafogo boasts a high work rate and defensive solidity. Their challenge will be to match the depth of more seasoned squads.

River Plate (Argentina)

The Argentine giants carry a rich heritage and technical mastery. Their structure and tournament know-how mean they’ll be among the top teams in FIFA Club World Cup Odds.

Boca Juniors (Argentina)

Passionate, battle-tested, and tactically flexible, Boca will look to overwhelm rivals with pressing and intensity. Always dangerous, especially in knockouts.

 

OFC (Oceania Football Confederation)

Auckland City (New Zealand)

A regular at the Club World Cup, Auckland City is known for exceeding expectations. Their organization and work ethic can cause problems for unsuspecting sides.

 

UEFA (Union of European Football Associations)

Chelsea (England)

Champions League winners in 2021, Chelsea brings a deep squad filled with attacking options and strong midfielders. Their style and resources make them serious contenders.

Real Madrid (Spain)

The most successful club in Club World Cup history. Their tactical excellence, mental fortitude, and stars like Vinícius Jr. and Bellingham position them as front-runners.

Manchester City (England)

With Pep Guardiola at the helm, City plays the most precise football in the world. Expect dominant possession, overwhelming pressure, and goals from Haaland.

Bayern Munich (Germany)

Combining German efficiency with explosive wingers, Bayern brings balance and intensity. Their deep squad will rotate well across fixtures.

Paris Saint-Germain (France)

As PSG embarks on this global tournament, the club aims to extend its dominance beyond Europe and capture its first FIFA Club World Cup title.

Inter Milan (Italy)

Known for their structured defense and quick counters, Inter brings Champions League experience and Italian pragmatism.

Porto (Portugal)

Always tactically sharp and physically demanding, Porto’s European resilience makes them a dark horse for the knockout stages.

Benfica (Portugal)

Focused on fluid movement and youth development, Benfica is a technically polished team that can dismantle disorganized defenses.

Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

Their youthful energy and dynamic attack are their primary weapons. If their defense holds, they could surprise the field.

Juventus (Italy)

Rebuilding but dangerous, Juventus boasts experience and defensive compactness. They’ll need clinical finishing to progress.

Atletico Madrid (Spain)

With Diego Simeone’s defensive masterclass and counter-attacking threat, Atletico thrives in tight games and is built for tournament football.

Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)

Austria’s most consistent club plays high-pressing football with young, hungry talent. They may lack experience, but are dangerous in transition.

 

Group Stage Matches

Group A

  • June 14: Al Ahly (Egypt) vs. Inter Miami (USA) – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
  • June 15: Palmeiras (Brazil) vs. FC Porto (Portugal) – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
  • June 19: Palmeiras vs. Al Ahly – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
  • June 19: Inter Miami vs. FC Porto – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
  • June 23: Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
  • June 23: FC Porto vs. Al Ahly – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Group B

  • June 15: Paris Saint-Germain (France) vs. Atlético Madrid (Spain) – Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
  • June 15: Botafogo (Brazil) vs. Seattle Sounders (USA) – Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
  • June 19: Seattle Sounders vs. Atlético Madrid – Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
  • June 19: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Botafogo – Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
  • June 23: Seattle Sounders vs. Paris Saint-Germain – Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
  • June 23: Atlético Madrid vs. Botafogo – Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

Group C

  • June 16: Bayern Munich (Germany) vs. Auckland City (New Zealand) – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
  • June 16: Boca Juniors (Argentina) vs. Benfica (Portugal) – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
  • June 20: Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
  • June 20: Auckland City vs. Benfica – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
  • June 24: Auckland City vs. Boca Juniors – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
  • June 24: Bayern Munich vs. Benfica – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

Group D

  • June 16: Flamengo (Brazil) vs. Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
  • June 16: Chelsea (England) vs. Los Angeles FC or Club América (Mexico) – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
  • June 20: Flamengo vs. Chelsea – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
  • June 20: Esperance de Tunis vs. Los Angeles FC or Club América – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
  • June 24: Flamengo vs. Los Angeles FC or Club América – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
  • June 24: Chelsea vs. Esperance de Tunis – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Group E

  • June 17: River Plate (Argentina) vs. Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) – TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
  • June 17: Monterrey (Mexico) vs. Inter Milan (Italy) – Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
  • June 21: River Plate vs. Monterrey – TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
  • June 21: Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Inter Milan – Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
  • June 25: River Plate vs. Inter Milan – TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
  • June 25: Urawa Red Diamonds vs. Monterrey – Audi Field, Washington, D.C.

Group F

  • June 17: Fluminense (Brazil) vs. Borussia Dortmund (Germany) – Geodis Park, Nashville, TN
  • June 17: Ulsan HD (South Korea) vs. Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) – Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
  • June 21: Fluminense vs. Ulsan HD – Geodis Park, Nashville, TN
  • June 21: Borussia Dortmund vs. Mamelodi Sundowns – Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
  • June 25: Fluminense vs. Mamelodi Sundowns – Geodis Park, Nashville, TN
  • June 25: Borussia Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD – Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL

Group G

  • June 18: Manchester City (England) vs. Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
  • June 18: Al Ain (UAE) vs. Juventus (Italy) – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
  • June 22: Manchester City vs. Al Ain – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
  • June 22: Wydad Casablanca vs. Juventus – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
  • June 26: Manchester City vs. Juventus – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
  • June 26: Wydad Casablanca vs. Al Ain – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Group H

  • June 18: Real Madrid (Spain) vs. Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
  • June 18: Pachuca (Mexico) vs. Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
  • June 22: Real Madrid vs. Pachuca – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
  • June 22: Al Hilal vs. Red Bull Salzburg – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
  • June 26: Real Madrid vs. Red Bull Salzburg – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
  • June 26: Al Hilal vs. Pachuca – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

 

Knockout Stage Matches

Round of 16

  • June 28: Winner Group A vs. Runner-up Group B – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
  • June 28: Winner Group C vs. Runner-up Group D – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
  • June 29: Winner Group E vs. Runner-up Group F – TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
  • June 29: Winner Group G vs. Runner-up Group H – Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
  • June 30: Winner Group B vs. Runner-up Group A – Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
  • June 30: Winner Group D vs. Runner-up Group C – Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
  • July 1: Winner Group F vs. Runner-up Group E – Geodis Park, Nashville, TN
  • July 1: Winner Group H vs. Runner-up Group G – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL

Quarterfinals

  • July 4: Winner Match 49 vs. Winner Match 50 – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
  • July 4: Winner Match 51 vs. Winner Match 52 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
  • July 5: Winner Match 53 vs. Winner Match 54 – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
  • July 5: Winner Match 55 vs. Winner Match 56 – Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA

Semifinals

  • July 9: Winner Quarterfinal 1 vs. Winner Quarterfinal 2 – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
  • July 10: Winner Quarterfinal 3 vs. Winner Quarterfinal 4 – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Final

  • July 13: Semifinal Winners – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

This full schedule is essential not only for fans and bettors but also for those tracking soccer odds and strategizing in advance.

 

How to Bet on Soccer: The Ultimate Guide

Betting on soccer can be a thrilling and strategic way to engage with the sport. With major tournaments like the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, understanding how to place smart, informed bets is essential. This guide walks you through the key steps, terms, and examples to help you bet confidently.

Step 1: Understand the Main Betting Markets

There are three primary types of bets in soccer:

  1. Money Line (Match Result)

    • You’re betting on the outright winner of the match (or a draw).
    • Example: Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal
      • Real Madrid: -150 (favorite)
      • Draw: +300
      • Al Hilal: +400
      • A $100 bet on Al Hilal returns $400 if they win.

 

  1. Spread (Goal Handicap)

    • You’re betting on a team to win by more than a set number of goals or to keep the match close.
    • Example: Manchester City -1.5 vs. Wydad Casablanca
      • City must win by 2+ goals for the bet to win.
      • If they win 2–0, your bet wins. If they win 1–0, your bet loses.

 

  1. Total (Over/Under)

    • You’re betting on the total number of goals scored by both teams combined.
    • Example: Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors – Total Over/Under 2.5
      • If you bet on Over 2.5 goals and the game ends 2–1, you win.
      • If the match ends in a 1–1 draw, you lose.

 

Step 2: Go to BUSR

Ensure you bet with the Most Trusted Sportsbook:

  • Make an Account and Sign Up
  • Make a Deposit
    • Debit/Credit Card
    • Crypto (check the Crypto promos and how to deposit in Crypto)
  • Make sure to use the CWC10 Promo Code

 

Step 3: Place Your Bet and Track Results

Example Ticket:

  • Wager: $20 on Palmeiras -1.5 vs. Inter Miami
  • Odds: +130
  • Potential Payout: $46 (includes your stake)

Track your bets, learn from your wins and losses, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

 

Bonus Tip #1: Explore Live Betting Opportunities

Live betting allows you to react to the match in real time. For example:

  • If Fluminense starts slow but gains control by halftime, the live Money Line odds might shift in their favor.

Bonus Tip #2: Explore the BUSR News Section

On busr.ag/news, you can find the latest betting guides, expert tips, game previews, odds, and much more to help you place a smart wager.

Use this to find value as the match unfolds.

 

A Global Stage Reimagined

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will crown the ultimate Club Champion. With more teams, greater visibility, and elite-level competition, the tournament aligns more closely with the global magnitude of the FIFA World Cup Odds market. It’s a transformative moment for FIFA, clubs, fans, and the sports betting industry.

With clubs preparing like never before and fans diving deep into analytics and FIFA Club World Cup Odds, this edition sets the tone for what global soccer will look like in the coming decade. Bettors, too, will find increased opportunities as dynamic soccer odds fluctuate with the tournament’s unfolding.

Whether you’re watching for glory, scouting future stars, or tracking the best value in FIFA Club World Cup Odds, the 2025 edition will be unmissable.

 

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