FIFA’s Expanded 32-Team Club World Cup 2025 Set for U.S. – A Prequel to the 2026 World Cup
FIFA will launch an expanded Club World Cup with 32 teams, to be held in the U.S. from June 15 to July 13, 2025. This will precede the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The format will include clubs from each confederation's champions from the previous four seasons and those ranking highest in their continental rankings, resembling the recent men's and women's World Cups.
Why It MattersThe expansion of the Club World Cup and the establishment of the Intercontinental Cup mark significant developments, offering more opportunities for clubs from different confederations to compete on a global stage and potentially boost the popularity and competitiveness of club football.
By the Numbers- 32 teams to participate in the expanded Club World Cup
- UEFA will have 12 teams, while other confederations will have varied spots, with the AFC, CAF, and Concacaf having four teams each
- The new format signals a significant shift in the global football landscape, potentially impacting the prominence and reach of international club tournaments
- The establishment of the Intercontinental Cup introduces an annual club competition featuring recent confederation champions
Future developments may include finalizing dates for the Intercontinental Cup stages and continued qualification of teams for the 2025 Club World Cup.
Bottom LineThe expansion of the Club World Cup and the introduction of the Intercontinental Cup mark a transformative period for international club football, offering broader representation and increased opportunities for clubs worldwide.
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