FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Key Dates & Top Matches

In the middle of summer 2025, the United States will host the updated FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament, with the participation of 32 teams, will replace the usual format of seven participants, turning into a full-fledged month-long marathon. The matches will be held at 12 stadiums — from MetLife in New York to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

The group stage will last from June 15 to 27. There are 8 groups, and each team will play three matches. The two best teams from each group will advance to the playoffs. The final battle will take place on July 13 in East Rutherford. So, don’t miss the chance to make exciting bets — check out expert football tips on Ratingbet before the tournament begins.

Participants: From Amateurs to Galácticos

The tournament draw has brought together a unique mix of football cultures. Amateur side Auckland City ended up in Group C with Bayern Munich. The New Zealanders have already suffered a 10–0 defeat at the hands of the Germans, but their participation is a historic achievement for a club whose players combine football with their main jobs.

Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal will bring the most expensive attack outside Europe. Neves, Milinković-Savić, and Malcom have turned the Riyadh club into a goal-scoring machine. Inzaghi’s team is aiming to prove that petrodollars can buy not only stars but also trophies. Other notable participants include:

• Botafogo — the fresh Libertadores champion with a technical midfield;
• Benfica — a Portuguese classic packed with young talents;
• León (Mexico) — the team with the best defense in CONCACAF;
• Flamengo — a Brazilian giant with an army of fans all over the Americas.

Group of Death and Other Intrigues

Group B turned out to be a real meat grinder, with PSG, Botafogo, and Atlético each scoring 6 points after two rounds. The Parisians crushed the Seattle Sounders (4–0), and Atlético had already been eliminated.

In Group A, an intriguing battle is unfolding between Palmeiras and Inter Miami — both teams have 4 points. Inter Miami beat Porto (2–1) thanks to Messi’s goal and are preparing for a decisive match with Palmeiras.

Bayern is predictably crushing its opponents in Group C — 12 goals in two matches make the Germans the main contenders for the trophy.

Potential Playoff Bombs

The draw for the Round of 16 could result in several early blockbusters. With the current standings, the following matchups are possible:

• Bayern vs. PSG/Botafogo (a battle of styles and ambitions)
• Real vs. Inter (a classic European confrontation)
• Manchester City vs. Inter Miami (a duel of coaching philosophies)

Who Will Lift the Trophy in New York?

Manchester City looks like the main contender thanks to Guardiola’s well-established system and experience in big finals. The team knows how to control the tempo in decisive matches, and the depth of the updated squad will allow it to rotate players in a tight schedule.

Real Madrid traditionally switches to “finalist mode” in the knockout stages. The Mbappé–Vinícius duo is capable of deciding any match with individual skill. Bayern is showing dominant football in the group stage. The German machine under Kompany combines physical strength with technical prowess. The only question is whether they will have enough energy for the entire tournament in American conditions.