Get ready to kick off an exhilarating month of soccer! The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be taking place across prominent venues in the United States from June 14 to July 13, showcasing some of the best clubs from around the globe and creating unforgettable memories on and off the pitch. Below, we dive deep into the tournament’s format, venues, fixtures, and much more!
What is the FIFA Club World Cup Format?
This year’s tournament features an exciting format with 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. It’s structured to maximize competition, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages. The road to the championship involves several stages: starting with the group matches, progressing through the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and culminating in the grand final.
Such a structure makes for exhilarating matches with neck-and-neck encounters and nail-biting finishes, as qualifying teams fight for soccer’s ultimate bragging rights. Expect surprises, drama, and moments that will be recounted for years to come!
Venues
The matches will be hosted in several iconic stadiums that resonate with soccer fans and athletes alike. Here’s where the action will take place:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- TQL Stadium (Cincinnati)
- MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
- Rose Bowl Stadium (Los Angeles)
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
- GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tennessee)
- Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
- Inter & Co Stadium (Orlando)
- Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
- Lumen Field (Seattle)
- Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
These venues not only provide top-notch facilities but also foster an electrifying atmosphere, as local fans come out to support their teams while groups of international fans unite in their love for soccer.
FIFA Club World Cup Fixtures Schedule
Mark your calendars as the group stage kicks off on June 14! Here’s a look at some of the fixtures during the opening days:
GROUP STAGE
Saturday, June 14
Group A: Al Ahly 0-0 Inter Miami CF (Miami)
Sunday, June 15
Group C: Bayern Munich 10-0 Auckland City (Cincinnati)
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Atlético Madrid (Pasadena)
Group A: Palmeiras 0-0 FC Porto (East Rutherford)
As the tournament progresses, viewers can anticipate a robust display of skill and rivalry as teams seek to secure their place in the next round.
ROUND OF 16
The excitement extends beyond the group stages! Kicking off with matchups on June 28:
Saturday, June 28
Match 49: Palmeiras vs. Botafogo, 12 p.m. ET (Philadelphia)
Match 50: Benfica vs. Chelsea, 4 p.m. ET (Charlotte)
Following this, you’ll witness top-tier clubs battle it out for a chance to reach the quarterfinals starting July 4.
QUARTERFINALS
Gear up for intense matchups on July 4 and 5. Get ready to rally behind your favorites as they vie for a coveted semifinal spot!
SEMIFINALS and FINAL
The stakes couldn’t be higher as we get closer to crowning the champion. Semifinals on July 8 and 9 will determine who gets to battle it out in the final on July 13 at East Rutherford at 3 p.m. ET.
Concacaf Playoff
Leading up to the event, a thrilling playoff took place on May 31, pitting MLS club LAFC against Liga MX side América for a chance to replace León. With LAFC coming out on top at BMO Stadium following a tense extra-time victory, the stage was set for their participation, adding an additional layer of excitement to the tournament.