For the first time ever, the FIFA Club World Cup will be hosted by the United States in the summer of 2025. Once a compact competition involving just seven clubs, the tournament is evolving into a full-scale football festival with 32 teams, 63 matches, and the potential to reshape how global club football is consumed, celebrated, and commercialized.
Running from June 15 to July 13, the newly expanded tournament will act as a forerunner to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, also hosted in North America. The event is expected to be the biggest Club World Cup in history, with billions watching worldwide, and tens of thousands of fans flying into the U.S. for a month of world-class action.
This marks a strategic move by FIFA—not just to modernize the tournament—but to tap into the U.S.’s rapidly growing soccer market, home to a young, diverse, and digitally native audience that is increasingly engaging with global football through streaming platforms, social media, and international clubs.
The New Format: Club Football’s World Cup
Gone is the old, exclusive model. Instead, this new format mirrors the FIFA World Cup with eight groups of four teams, followed by knockout rounds [1]. The clubs earned their spots by winning or excelling in their regional competitions from 2021 to 2024.
Among the most notable qualifiers are:
- Europe (UEFA): Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Benfica, Porto
- South America (CONMEBOL): Flamengo, Palmeiras, Fluminense, River Plate
- North America (CONCACAF): Club León, Monterrey, Seattle Sounders
- Asia (AFC): Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds
- Africa (CAF): Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca
- Oceania (OFC): Auckland City
- Host nation (USA): Inter Miami, featuring global icon Lionel Messi
This format brings elite-level clubs from six confederations together in a competitive environment where global underdogs like Al Ahly or Urawa Red Diamonds can take on giants like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich on U.S. soil.
Stadiums Set for the Global Stage
Matches will unfold in 12 stadiums across 11 cities, giving American fans unparalleled access to the world’s best clubs. These include:
| Stadium Name | Location |
| MetLife Stadium | New Jersey |
| Hard Rock Stadium | Miami |
| SoFi Stadium | Los Angeles |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta |
| AT&T Stadium | Dallas |
| Lumen Field | Seattle |
| Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City |
| Levi’s Stadium | San Francisco Bay Area |
| NRG Stadium | Houston |
| Gillette Stadium | Boston |
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia |
| Camping World Stadium | Orlando |
These are not just football venues—they are cultural landmarks. From the tech-luxury of SoFi Stadium to the roaring fan base in Seattle’s Lumen Field, each location brings a different vibe to the world stage.
Economic & Cultural Impact
FIFA expects the tournament to generate over $47 billion in economic value for the United States, with significant boosts in travel, hospitality, merchandising, and broadcasting revenue. Local governments are preparing for high tourist volumes, with host cities investing in infrastructure and fan engagement zones to accommodate global fans [2].
Culturally, this marks a turning point for soccer in the U.S. With the momentum of Lionel Messi in MLS, a new generation of fans is embracing the sport through TikTok, YouTube highlights, and streaming platforms. FIFA is banking on this demographic shift to transform the Club World Cup into an event that resonates beyond die-hard fans.
Free Global Streaming: DAZN’s Game-Changing Deal
FIFA has partnered with DAZN, the global streaming platform, to offer all 63 matches for free on its new FIFA+ digital hub. This is a major move away from traditional pay-TV deals and aims to capture younger viewers who expect instant, free access [3].
DAZN’s move could help the tournament reach over 1 billion viewers, and other major broadcasters including Sky Sports (UK), beIN Sports (MENA), and NBC Sports (USA) have also secured broadcast rights.
With short-form content, match highlights, and behind-the-scenes stories optimized for social platforms, the Club World Cup is positioning itself as the first major football tournament made for the digital age.
Inter Miami vs Al Ahly: A Dream Opener
One of the most anticipated matches is the opener: Inter Miami vs Al Ahly, set in Hard Rock Stadium. Not only will this game feature Lionel Messi, but it will also showcase the clash of two football worlds—one American, fast-growing and star-studded; the other African, deeply passionate and rich in history.
Al Ahly, the most successful club in Africa, brings a massive fan base and a winning tradition. Inter Miami, meanwhile, represents the future of U.S. football with global ambitions and a star-powered squad.
Challenges Ahead: Player Workload & Club Resistance
Despite the excitement, there’s a growing chorus of concern from European clubs and player unions. FIFPRO, the global players’ union, has warned that players are being pushed to the brink with too many competitions in the calendar [4].
Clubs in England, Germany, and Italy have expressed unease about releasing players during the summer break, especially with the 2026 World Cup just a year later. Legal action and schedule disputes may follow if FIFA cannot provide adequate rest periods and compensation.
The Big Picture
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States is more than just a tournament. It’s a test case for football’s globalization—a statement that the world’s game can thrive outside of its traditional heartlands. With 32 elite clubs, streaming-first access, and Gen Z in the crosshairs, FIFA is betting big on the future.
Whether it succeeds or stumbles, this tournament will be remembered as the moment when the Club World Cup stepped out of the shadows—and America took center stage.
Bibliography
[1] D. Johnson, “FIFA Club World Cup: Format, draw, teams, schedule … Messi – ESPN,” ESPN, May 07, 2025. https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/41959489/fifa-club-world-cup-format-schedule-why-lionel-messi-playing.
[2] I. FIFA, “FIFA-WTO study estimates USD 47 billion economic output from FIFA Club World CupTM and FIFA World CupTM in the US,” Fifa.com, 2025. https://inside.fifa.com/organisation/media-releases/fifa-wto-study-estimates-usd-47-billion-economic-output-from-fifa-club-world
[3] FIFA, “FIFA,” Fifa.com, 2025. https://inside.fifa.com/tournament-organisation/commercial/media-releases/dazn-signs-landmark-free-to-view-deal-exclusively-broadcast-club-world-cup-2025-globally?requester=MediaHub.
[4] ESPN News Services, “Players union threatens FIFA with legal action over calendar – ESPN,” ESPN, May 09, 2024. https://www.espn.in/football/story/_/id/40113318/players-union-threatens-fifa-legal-action-calendar.
