The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to commence on June 14 in the United States, marking a new chapter in international club football. This expanded tournament features 32 elite clubs from six confederations, divided into eight groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, culminating in the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. With a staggering $1 billion prize pool, the stakes have never been higher.
Group A
- Palmeiras
- FC Porto
- Al Ahly
- Inter Miami
Group A includes two well-established clubs in international competition: Palmeiras, the current Copa Libertadores holders, and FC Porto, regulars in European knockout rounds. Al Ahly arrives as the most successful team in African football history. Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi, will play at home in Miami and open the tournament against Al Ahly on June 14.
Group B
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Atlético Madrid
- Botafogo
- Seattle Sounders
Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid bring strong European experience and squads filled with international players. Botafogo qualified thanks to their solid domestic run in Brazil. Seattle Sounders, winners of the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, will aim to compete with the bigger names in the group.
Group C
- Bayern Munich
- Auckland City
- Boca Juniors
- Benfica
Bayern Munich come in as one of Europe’s most consistent performers, still packed with experience and quality in all areas. Benfica have been strong in recent Champions League campaigns and remain dangerous. Boca Juniors have rebuilt well and carry momentum from deep Copa Libertadores runs. Auckland City, regulars at this tournament, will try to stay competitive against far tougher opposition.
Group D
- Chelsea
- Flamengo
- Espérance de Tunis
- LAFC/Club América (play-in match winner)
Chelsea will be looking for improvement after mixed results in recent Premier League seasons. Flamengo, two-time South American champions since 2019, bring depth and quality. Espérance de Tunis, a regular in the CAF Champions League, rounds out the confirmed teams. The final spot will be filled by the winner of a play-in match between LAFC and Club América.
Group E
- River Plate
- Urawa Red Diamonds
- CF Monterrey
- Inter Milan
River Plate and Inter Milan are expected to be the strongest sides in this group. Monterrey, a five-time CONCACAF champion, has experience at this level and often performs well in FIFA tournaments. Urawa Red Diamonds, Asia’s representative, won the 2022 AFC Champions League to secure their place.
Group F
- Fluminense
- Borussia Dortmund
- Ulsan HD
- Mamelodi Sundowns
Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund both arrive with competitive squads and recent success at continental level. Ulsan HD continue to lead the way in South Korea and have proven tough in Asia. Mamelodi Sundowns have been one of Africa’s most stable and well-organized sides in recent years and will be confident they can push for a knockout place.
Group G
- Manchester City
- Juventus
- Al Ain
- Wydad AC
Manchester City, who missed out on trophies in the 2024–25 season, will try to reclaim top form. Juventus, back in international contention after recent domestic rebuilding, bring a solid squad. Wydad AC and Al Ain enter with plenty of regional experience but will be under pressure to keep up with the European sides.
Group H
- Real Madrid
- Al Hilal
- Pachuca
- RB Salzburg
Real Madrid, with their record in international competitions, are the favorites in Group H. Al Hilal and Pachuca have both won their respective continental titles in recent years. RB Salzburg, Austria’s leading team, will try to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in a FIFA tournament.
The tournament offers a rare look at how top clubs from every continent measure up against one another. It will also provide valuable exposure for teams outside the usual European spotlight, with fans able to follow big names like Messi, Mbappé, Bellingham, and others throughout a full month of international club football.
