2025 Club World Club Review
A thrilling month of football culminated in a surprising turn of events as Chelsea FC stunned the heavily favored Paris Saint-Germain with a decisive 3-0 victory to claim the inaugural expanded 32-team Club World Cup in a memorable final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The tournament, held across the United States, showcased a new era for global club football, filled with dramatic upsets, breakout performances, and a glimpse into the future of the sport.
The expanded format, a significant departure from the previous seven-team competition, provided a platform for clubs from all confederations to test their mettle on a global stage. The group stages were marked by intense competition and several surprising results. One of the most talked-about moments was the impressive run of Brazilian clubs during this competition. All four teams advanced to the elimination stage of the competition, eliminating such heavyweights as Atletico Madrid, River Plate, and Boca Juniors.
The knockout stages delivered on their promise of high-stakes drama. Bayern Munich’s quest for the title was cut short in a thrilling semi-final game where PSG won by 2-0. The Parisian club was also the most instrumental and the most efficient club of the competition, going through the knockout stages with a goal record of 12:0, also eliminating Real Madrid and Inter Miami along the way.
Unfortunately, things did not work out of Luis Enrique and his team as planned, as Enco Maresca prepared his team really well for the final.
2025 Club World Cup Final
The final on Sunday, July 13, 2025, pitted the star-studded Paris Saint-Germain, who had steamrolled their way through the competition, against a Chelsea side that had quietly and efficiently navigated their path to the final. PSG, boasting an attacking lineup featuring some of the world’s best, were the overwhelming favorites.
However, from the opening whistle, it was Chelsea who dictated the tempo. In a tactical masterclass orchestrated by their manager, the London-based club neutralized PSG’s potent attack and exploited their defensive vulnerabilities with ruthless efficiency.
The Blues finished everything in the first half, with two goals from Cole Palmer and a third courtesy of newcomer Joao Pedro. The 3-0 scoreline was a testament to a flawless performance that will be remembered as a tactical triumph against one of the most formidable attacking forces in world football. The victory marks a significant achievement for Chelsea, adding a prestigious new trophy to their cabinet and concluding a memorable tournament that seems to have set a new standard for global club competition.
Club World Cup New Format
The Club World Cup format for 2025 introduces a dynamic structure, expanding from its previous seven-team setup to a 32-team spectacle. Aligning it closer to the FIFA World Cup model.
The tournament begins with a group stage, where the 32 Club World Cup teams are divided into eight groups of four. Each team plays three matches in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing. This leads to a 16-team knockout phase, featuring single-elimination rounds from the Round of 16 through to the final. However, unlike past editions, there’s no third-place playoff, keeping the focus on the championship match.
Club World Cup matches are hosted across 12 U.S. stadiums, ensuring a broad geographical spread. The format aims to balance competitive intensity with accessibility, with 63 total games scheduled over a month. This revamped structure has sparked Club World Cup predictions about which teams will thrive under the increased competition, offering fans a fresh lens to view global club football’s elite.
CWC Venues – Where Will it be Held?
The Club World Cup, set to unfold across the United States in 2025, will showcase its 63 matches in 12 world-class stadiums spanning 11 cities. These venues, carefully selected for their capacity and history of hosting major events, promise to elevate the Club World Cup games for fans and players alike.
| Stadium | City | Capacity |
|---|
| MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford, NJ | 82,500 |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, GA | 75,000 |
| Bank of America Stadium | Charlotte, NC | 74,867 |
| TQL Stadium | Cincinnati, OH | 26,000 |
| Rose Bowl Stadium | Pasadena, CA | 88,500 |
| Hard Rock Stadium | Miami, FL | 65,500 |
| GEODIS Park | Nashville, TN | 30,000 |
| Camping World Stadium | Orlando, FL | 65,000 |
| Inter&Co Stadium | Orlando, FL | 25,000 |
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, PA | 69,796 |
| Lumen Field | Seattle, WA | 68,000 |
| Audi Field | Washington, D.C. | 20,000 |
CWC Qualified Teams and Groups
The Club World Cup teams for 2025 have secured their spots through a combination of continental championship wins and confederation ranking pathways over the past four seasons (2021–2024).
The qualification process, detailed in FIFA’s Club World Cup information, awards points for performances in continental competitions like the UEFA Champions League or Copa Libertadores, with champions and high-ranking teams securing slots. UEFA received 12 slots, CONMEBOL 6, AFC, CAF, and CONCACAF 4 each, OFC 1, and the host nation (USA) 1.
Group A
- Palmeiras (Brazil)
- Porto (Portugal)
- Al Ahly (Egypt)
- Inter Miami (USA)
Palmeiras qualified after becoming the 2021 Copa Libertadores champions. On the other hand, the Portuguese side Porto earned a UEFA slot via the ranking pathway based on consistent Champions League performances over four seasons. Al Ahly, the most successful club from Africa, secured a CAF slot as the 2020/21, 2022/23, and 2023/24 CAF Champions League winners. While Inter Miami (USA) qualified as the host nation’s representative, winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.
Group B
- Botafogo (Brazil)
- Paris Saint-Germain (France)
- Atlético Madrid (Spain)
- Seattle Sounders (USA)
Botafogo from Brazil are here due to them becoming the 2024 Copa Libertadores champions. PSG (France) and Atletico Madrid both represent Europe and have secured a UEFA slot through the ranking pathway for their strong Champions League performances. Finally, Seattle Sounders (USA) qualified as the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League winners.
Group C
- Bayern Munich (Germany)
- Boca Juniors (Argentina)
- Benfica (Portugal)
- Auckland City (New Zealand)
Bayern Munich of Germany and Benfica of Portugal earned a UEFA slot via the ranking pathway for consistent Champions League results. Boca Juniors from Argentina earned a CONMEBOL slot via the ranking pathway for consistent Copa Libertadores performances. Finally, Auckland City of New Zealand secured the OFC slot as the highest-ranked OFC Champions League winner (2022–2024).
Group D
- Flamengo (Brazil)
- Chelsea (England)
- Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia)
- Los Angeles FC (USA)
Flamengo is another Brazilian representative that earned its place at the Club World Cup by being the 2022 Copa Libertadores champions. Chelsea secured a UEFA slot as the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League winners. Esperance de Tunis came here as the 2021/22 CAF Champions League winners.
The fourth spot was meant to go to Club Leon, but they were disqualified due to FIFA’s multi-club ownership regulations. Replacing them is Los Angeles FC (USA), which earned a CONCACAF slot via a playoff win (2-1) against Club América.
Group E
- Rivel Plate (Argentina)
- Inter Milan (Italy)
- Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
- Monterrey (Mexico)
The famed Argentine club, River Plate, earned a CONMEBOL slot via the ranking pathway for consistent Copa Libertadores performances. Inter Milan secured a UEFA slot through the ranking pathway for strong Champions League performances. The Japanese side, Urawa Red Diamonds, qualified as the 2022 AFC Champions League winners. Monterey of Mexico secured a CONCACAF slot as the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League winners.
Group F
- Fluminense FC (Brazil)
- Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
- Ulsan HD (South Korea)
- Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Representing CONMEBOL is Fluminense from Brazil, which qualified as the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions. Borussia Dortmund are another club from Europe that secured a UEFA slot through the ranking pathway for strong Champions League results. Ulsan are here via the AFC ranking pathway. The South African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, Qualified as 2023/24 CAF Champions League winners.
Group G
- Manchester City (England)
- Wydad AC (Morocco)
- Al Ain FC (UAE)
- Juventus (Italy)
Manchester City qualified as one of the last three winners of the UEFA Champions League. Wydad AC qualified as 2021/22 CAF Champions League winners, while Al Ain (UAE) secured an AFC slot as 2023/24 AFC Champions League winners. Juventus, while not displaying favourable results in recent times, managed to slip in thanks to a ranking pathway for their strong Champions League performances in recent times.
Group H
- Real Madrid (Spain)
- FC Salzburg (Austria)
- Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
- CF Pachuca (Mexico)
Real Madrid have won the UEFA slot as the 2021/22 and 2023/24 UEFA Champions League winners. CF Pachuca (Mexico) qualified as 2023 CONCACAF Champions League winners, while FC Salzburg may be a surprise entry, but they earned a UEFA slot via the ranking pathway for consistent Champions League performances. Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) are the 2021 AFC Champions League winners, which helped them earn a direct spot.
Notable Absences
Several prominent clubs will miss the 2025 Club World Cup due to the competitive qualification criteria. Manchester United, despite their global stature, failed to secure a UEFA slot, as their Champions League performances over the four-year period didn’t meet the ranking threshold. Similarly, Liverpool, another English giant, were excluded due to the UEFA limit of two clubs per association outside of Champions League winners, with Chelsea and Manchester City taking precedence.
CWC Notable Players
The 2025 Club World Cup will feature an array of global football stars, showcasing talent from across continents in this expanded 32-team tournament. Lionel Messi, playing for Inter Miami, remains a focal point as he approaches 38, with his unmatched vision and flair expected to draw significant attention in the opening match against Al Ahly.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, fresh off a 43-goal debut season and a European Golden Boot, brings explosive pace and scoring prowess, making him a key figure in Club World Cup predictions. Manchester City’s Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, is another standout, with his return from injury bolstering City’s midfield control and title hopes.
Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola will add dynamism to PSG’s campaign. River Plate’s 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono, a versatile playmaker, is a rising star to watch, potentially using the tournament to cement his reputation.
CWC Important Stats
With the start of the 2025 Club World Cup also comes a wealth of compelling statistics that highlight its scale and significance. The expanded scope of the competition is surely something that will affect how people view and bet on this competition, as it is something completely new that they have never seen before.
- Total Teams and Matches: 32 Club World Cup teams will compete in 63 matches, a leap from the prior seven-team format.
- Prize Fund: A $1 billion prize pool, with up to $125 million for the Club World Cup winners and $525 million in participation fees.
- Historical Dominance: European clubs have claimed 15 of 20 titles since 2000, with Real Madrid leading with five victories.
- Confederation Breakdown: UEFA contributes 12 teams, CONMEBOL six, AFC, CAF, and CONCACAF four each, plus one OFC and one host (USA) team.
- Event Duration: Spans 30 days, from June 14 to July 13, 2025, across 12 U.S. stadiums.
- Venue Capacity: The 12 stadiums collectively seat over 650,000, with MetLife Stadium hosting the final.
CWC Matches and Predictions
With the Club World Cup being just around the corner, bettingexpert represents the best place for you to get top picks and predictions for all of the upcoming matches. Here, you will find expert breakdowns, match analysis, and match predictions that will help you create the desired betting slip.
To help you find the most reliable tips, our team of community members. Each tipster offers a breakdown of their tip, explaining why they decided to go that way. To determine if you really want to follow their advice are a few parameters. Namely, each tipster profile comes with stats like success percentage, yield, form, number of picks, etc. Based on those, you can easily decide whether you want to follow their advice or not.
Once you are sure of a certain tipster, you can decide to follow them. That way, you can get a notification after they post new tips. Not only that, but you can also become a tipster yourself. You only need to register for an account and start posting tips. If you are good enough, you may even earn some monthly prizes designated for the most prolific tipsters on the bettingexpert platform.
CWC Past Winners
The Club World Cup has crowned 12 different champions across its 20 editions from 2000 to 2023. As you may have expected, Real Madrid has the most wins with five titles, but the very first winner was Corinthians from Brazil, which have two wins. While South American clubs have won the first three trophies, European clubs have asserted their dominance over the years and captured 16 of them.
| Year | Winner | Country |
|---|
| 2000 | Corinthians | Brazil |
| 2006 | Sao Paulo | Brazil |
| 2007 | Internacional | Brazil |
| 2008 | AC Milan | Italy |
| 2009 | Manchester United | England |
| 2010 | Barcelona | Spain |
| 2011 | Inter Milan | Italy |
| 2012 | Barcelona | Spain |
| 2013 | Corinthians | Brazil |
| 2014 | Bayern Munich | Germany |
| 2015 | Real Madrid | Spain |
| 2016 | Barcelona | Spain |
| 2017 | Real Madrid | Spain |
| 2018 | Real Madrid | Spain |
| 2019 | Real Madrid | Spain |
| 2020 | Liverpool | England |
| 2021 | Bayern Munich | Germany |
| 2022 | Chelsea | England |
| 2023 | Real Madrid | Spain |
| 2024 | Manchester City | England |
CWC – Where to Watch?
The 2025 Club World Cup will be available to watch worldwide on DAZN, the global streaming platform that has secured exclusive rights to livestream all 63 Club World Cup matches for free. Fans can access every game, from the group stage to the final, via DAZN’s app or website, available in multiple languages across over 200 countries.
In the UK, Channel 5 will also broadcast 23 matches, including the final, while in the US, partnerships with TNT Sports and TelevisaUnivision will offer select games on TV. This global accessibility ensures fans can follow their favourite Club World Cup teams effortlessly.
