FIFA Club World Cup 2025 - Discussion Thread

[BouncerGuy]

The expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicks off on Sunday in the United States of America (USA).

The 21st edition of the Club World Cup will see 32 teams competing in 63 matches over 29 days before the tournament football concludes on July 15. Past editions of the Club World Cup have been contested between six to eight teams.

As per the new FIFA Club World Cup format, 32 clubs have been drawn into eight groups of four teams each.

Of the 32 teams competing in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, 12 represent UEFA, six come from CONMEBOL and one from the OFC. Each of the AFC, CAF and CONCACAF have four representatives, while one additional spot is reserved for a club from the host nation.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 features the winners of the top continental club competitions from 2021 to 2024.

If a team won their continental title more than once during this period, their additional spot was allocated to the next best-ranked club from that confederation, as is the case with Real Madrid, who won the UEFA Champions League twice in the last four years.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami were handed the additional spot reserved for a host nation club based on their exceptional 2024 campaign, in which they broke the all-time MLS record for most points in a single season to secure the Supporters' Shield.

The remaining spots were filled based on club rankings over the same four-year period.

While UEFA used its own club coefficient system to determine the rankings, the other confederations used FIFA’s four‑year point system that gives teams three points for every win, one for a draw and a bonus for every time a team advances to the next round of a competition.

A maximum of two clubs per country have qualified for the upcoming Club World Cup - except for Brazil, which will have four representatives. This exception is due to Brazilian clubs' dominance in the CONMEBOL Libertadores - South America’s top club tournament - in the last four editions.

All teams will play the other three sides in their respective groups once, with the top two outfits at the end of all the group games progressing to the knockout stage, which comprises the pre-quarterfinals, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.

The last edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, held in 2023, saw English giants Manchester City win the seven-team tournament. Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid are the most successful team in the history of the tournament, having won it five times.

https://www.olympics.com/en/news/fifa-club-world-cup-2025-groups-venues-schedule-tv-watch-live-streaming-india

 

[Boyka]

Glorified friendlies. The fixture list for pro footballers is ridiculous.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Lionel Messi and a heavy security presence were on show as the revamped Club World Cup got under way in the US on Saturday.

Host city side Inter Miami, led by Argentine legend Messi, played out an entertaining goalless against Egyptian giants Al Ahly to kick off the tournament.

Miami were thankful to goalkeeper and man of the match Oscar Ustari for making a string of saves, including one from the penalty spot, to preserve a clean sheet.

Messi came close to opening the scoring in the second period with a free-kick and almost won it late on with an incredible, long-range strike but saw his effort acrobatically tipped onto the crossbar by Mohamed el Shenawy.

This event, which has been much maligned in some parts, may have started without a goal but finally the talk can be about the football - or can it?

Police presence felt in Miami​

Matchday was the first time this week that it felt like a significant tournament was about to get under way.

Around the South Beach area travelling Al Ahly supporters were enjoying lunch and drinks before the big game.

The Egyptian side had qualified as winners of the African Champions League and have serious pedigree, winning more league championships (45) and more titles on the continent (12) than any other club, but they could not translate that on to the global stage.

Along the Route 95 highway towards the stadium, advertising boards were showcasing the fixture, declaring it's "showtime" in true American fashion.

The last major game to be played at the Hard Rock Stadium took place 11 months ago when "a party almost became a tragedy" as ticketless fans forced their way in to the ground for the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia, delaying kick-off by 80 minutes.

Authorities learned a tough lesson and were taking no chances, making sure there was no repeat this time as police cars with flashing sirens lined the boulevards outside the stadium.

With that match and recent unrest in Los Angeles in mind, police officers with 'counter terrorism' logos patrolled the exterior of the venue and numerous security checks and bag searches were made before entry was granted.

Supporters needed extra time to make their way inside as they were forced to have further checks at a second perimeter point.

It remains to be seen whether the same approach will be taken in Sunday's fixtures, which take place in LA, Cincinnati, New York/New Jersey and Seattle.

Fireworks, razzmatazz and almost some Messi magic​

Once through the extensive screening process, it was the first time supporters bearing 'Messi 10' shirts were spotted in the city - and the glaring pink and black shirts were out in their numbers.

"Messi, Messi, Messi" was the chant of choice from his adoring fans, just like it had been at Argentina's glorious run to winning the World Cup in Qatar three years ago.

The former Barcelona forward sent an effort narrowly over and had another bending strike saved by El Shenawy, before curling a delightful free-kick into the side netting which many of the crowd thought had gone in.

The week leading up to the opening game featured apparent ticketing issues but Fifa president Gianni Infantino said he expected "a full stadium" with an "incredible atmosphere".

He positioned himself in the stands at the centre of a front three, flanked by footballing icons Ronaldo of Brazil and Italian legend Roberto Baggio.

What Infantino wanted and what he got were two different things.

Casting a glance around, thousands of empty green seats were clearly evident in the 65,326-capacity stadium and a crowd of 60,927 was announced in the second half.

But the presence of Messi, the sizeable travelling Egyptian contingent - who chanted and waved flags throughout - and an action-packed game made for a watchable contest.

As with all American sporting events, it began with a rendition of the national anthem, with the singer accompanied by a large stars-and-stripes flag.

Students from the local Miami Dade College then carried out large badges of the 32 competing clubs before placing them on to each letter of a vast 'Fifa' sign atop a podium in the centre of the pitch, leaving no doubt about whom this competition belonged to.

Moroccan-American rapper French Montana produced a hit in the pre-match build-up, there were fireworks aplenty and, to add further razzmatazz, each player was announced on to the pitch individually before kick-off.

Unlike their illustrious opponents, Miami had supposedly qualified through the back door, achieving the place after claiming the Supporters' Shield - coming top of the MLS in the regular season - before being beaten in the play-offs.

Critics feel MLS Cup winners LA Galaxy would have been a better choice on merit, but that would have meant a Club World Cup without Miami and their main man Messi.

The club's co-owner and newly knighted Sir David Beckham was given a rousing ovation from supporters as he entered the stadium and there were even louder cheers as Messi's smiling face flashed up on the big screen.

Although he came close, the little magician could not provide a moment of inspiration for the expectant crowd in attendance.

Miami failed to win potentially their easiest group game and come up against Portuguese side Porto on Thursday.

"Clearly, when we find Leo in positions and get the ball to him in the best way, that's where we have the most options," said Miami manager Javier Mascherano.

"We take it game by game. We know that the level will clearly rise in the next game because they're a European opponent, but we have to stay with the feeling that it's 11 against 11.

"Anything can happen in football."

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[Rajdeep]

How do they pick the teams from each league? Why Liverpool and Arsenal not there?

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[BouncerGuy]

Weather causing increasing concern at Club World Cup

Weather concerns continue to shape the Fifa Club World Cup after a fourth game was delayed because of thunderstorms - while a heatwave is expected next week.

The second half of Benfica's Group C game against Auckland City kicked off over two hours late because of heavy rain and storms in Orlando.

The kick-off for Mamelodi Sundowns against Ulsan HD in the same city had been delayed for over an hour.

And there were long pauses in the second halves of Palmeiras v Al-Ahly in New Jersey (40 minutes) and Salzburg v Pachuca in Cincinnati (90 minutes).

Campaign group Fossil Free Football say 10 matches are due to be played in the next week with either a major or extreme heat risk, as temperatures could reach 41C.

This comes just a year out from the World Cup which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

A statement from the world governing body read: "Fifa will continue to monitor the weather conditions in coordination with the venue teams to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved."

'The dangers facing players'

Fossil Free Football say: "Particular concern is for the fixtures in the no-shade stadium in Charlotte where a heat index of 38C (Real Madrid v Pachuca) and 41C (Benfica v Bayern) is forecast for the next two matches.

"This underlines the dangers facing players and fans at this tournament and in 2026. Fifa have done very little to allay safety concerns."

The game between New Zealand part-timers Auckland City and Boca Juniors is also due to take place in 41C in Nashville at a ground with limited cover.

Matches in Philadelphia, New York, Cincinnati and Washington DC will also be played in the anticipated heatwave.

After Atletico's 4-0 defeat by Paris St-Germain in 32C in Pasadena, Marcos Llorente said it was "terribly hot" and added "my toes were sore, my nails were hurting... it's incredible".

Fans spoke of having to leave that game because of the heat - and complained about long queues and restrictions of water when arriving at the stadium.

A Fifa statement read: "Fifa's top priority is the health of everyone involved in football, and Fifa's medical experts have been in regular contact with the clubs participating to address heat management and acclimatisation."

The governing body added there will continue to be cooling breaks in the 30th and 75th minute where needed - and that fans are allowed to bring empty clear bottles of up to one litre into stadiums.

Chelsea, who are one of two English teams competing along with Manchester City, beat Los Angeles FC in their opener but then lost 3-1 to Flamengo on Friday.

"It's not easy because of the temperature," said boss Enzo Maresca. "We're going to try to rotate players."

When it rains, it pours

As well as the danger posed by the heat to players, staff and supporters, from a scheduling point of view there will be concerns about the delays to games.

Four of the first 21 games faced waits ranging from 40 minutes to two-and-a-half hours for thunder and lightning storms and heavy rain.

Broadcasters will not be happy with the potential for overlapping matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Benfica v Auckland City was due to conclude an hour before Chelsea's match against Flamengo started - but ended up finishing well after the final whistle had been blown in the Blues' defeat.

"This is the longest game of my career," said Benfica coach Bruno Lage. "A special thanks to our fans, who have been here for five hours supporting the team.

"We played as well as we could. The temperature made it very difficult."

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

 

[BouncerGuy]

Club World Cup trophy won't make up for last season – Guardiola

Winning the Club World Cup won't make amends for Manchester City's disappointment of last season, says manager Pep Guardiola.

City failed to win a major trophy for the first time in eight years but claimed the Community Shield at the beginning of the campaign.

City finished third in the Premier League, failed to reach the last 16 in the Champions League and were stunned in the FA Cup final by Crystal Palace.

Along with Chelsea, City are one of two English sides currently competing at the revamped Club World Cup in the United States.

They began Group G with victory over Moroccan side Wydad AC and another three points against UAE club Al-Ain in Atlanta on Sunday will seal progression to the last 16.

"I said many times, the season was not good," said Guardiola. "When you finish third in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League, it means 70 teams were worse than us.

"We played the FA Cup final in an incredibly high level against a really good team. The disappointment was the Champions League, we did not do really good. It was tough to handle it.

"Winning this competition is not going to change that but my mindset at the moment is not about winning the competition. We can extend our time here, being here longer. For the South American teams, the competition may be the maximum. For European teams, it is [just] a World Cup."

Al-Ain manager Vladimir Ivic, formerly of Watford said: "When you play against the best ones, you want to be the best of yourself.

"I am sure my players will give the maximum, trying from the first until the last, to show themselves the best way against the best one. We have to believe in ourselves and my team."

'We want to do our best'

Guardiola won this competition in its previous guise with Barcelona and led City to success by thrashing Fluminese 4-0 in Saudi Arabia two years ago.

Questions have been raised about how seriously European sides rank this tournament, although teams from the continent can collect up to £97m if they go all the way.

Meanwhile, players and supporters from elsewhere such as South America have shown their passion for the tournament, filling stadiums with thousands of fans and adding a distinct colour and atmosphere.

"I was lucky to play as a manager in this competition four times and we won four times," said the Spaniard.

"What would happen in Brazil is they would have a carnival for one week, dancing and celebrating, but it is cultural for the continent and countries.

"Now we are here, I want to do the best, I want to enjoy the moment here because you are here one time every four years and I want to do well and I want to arrive in the latter stages."

Guardiola does not rule out departures

Guardiola has reiterated a need for a smaller squad heading into the new season, having joked at the end of the last campaign he would "quit" unless the playing staff was cut.

City have a 27-man touring party for the Club World Cup; out-of-favour Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips have been left at home, James McAtee was not selected and Mateo Kovacic is injured.

Meanwhile, German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been linked with a move to Turkish champions Galatasaray.

"We have - right now - a long squad, too many players, so we cannot go with 26, 27 players this season because there would be more [not] playing and step by step maybe a few players are going to move. But right now, Ilkay is absolutely part of my mind and the team.

"I would love to have the players that we have now all season. I would love it. I don't have any complaints about the players, how they behave."

He added: "The problem is they will be unhappy during the season. They will be sad, they will be disappointed. I don't want that. For me it's not a problem.

"I have more [players to select] and I don't [want] six, seven players, if no injuries, being at home. So I do it that way. I do that for them.

"So that's why we have to see what happens. We still have a long time, I would say, until the transfer window will be closed."

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

 

[DeadlyVenom]

This just seems like a low intensity tournament.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[BouncerGuy]

How it stands in Club World Cup group stage - and who needs what?

The Club World Cup is into its final round of group-stage matches with plenty still to be decided.

There is still something to play for in nearly every group.

The top two sides from each group go into the last 16, with head-to-head records used before goal difference to separate teams level on points.

Manchester City are one of eight clubs to have qualified for the last 16 but could face Real Madrid at that stage.

Chelsea need a point to progress, with Bayern Munich potentially waiting in the next round.

BBC Sport examines how each group looks and who needs what to progress.

Group A

Inter Miami and Palmeiras drew 2-2 in their final group game which secured both teams a place in the knockout stages, while Porto and Al Ahly played out a 4-4 thriller.

Palmeiras topped the group on goal difference, with MLS side Inter runners-up.

Palmeiras will play fellow Brazilian side Botafogo on Saturday at 17:00 BST, while Inter face European champions Paris St-Germain on Sunday at 17:00.

Group B

Paris St-Germain and Botafogo are through to the last 16.

PSG beat Seattle Sounders 2-0 to top Group B, while Botafogo secured second place despite a 1-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid.

As group winners, PSG will face Group A runners-up Inter Miami, and Botafogo will take on group winners Palmeiras.

Atletico and Seattle have been eliminated.

Group C

Auckland City v Boca Juniors, Benfica v Bayern Munich - Tuesday, 24 June (20:00 BST)

Bayern Munich are through and Auckland City are out.

Benfica just only a point to seal their last-16 spot. Boca need Benfica to lose and to win themselves, with a big goal difference swing, to go through.

Group D

ES Tunis v Chelsea, Los Angeles v Flamengo - Wednesday, 25 June (02:00 BST)

Flamengo are into the last 16 as group winners and Los Angeles are out.

Chelsea will go through in second place so long as they do not lose to Esperance Sportive de Tunis. But if the Tunisian side win they will qualify instead.

Enzo Maresca's Chelsea side would meet the winners of Group C - Bayern Munich or Benfica - should they qualify for the last 16.

Group E

Inter Milan v River Plate, Urawa Reds v Monterrey - Thursday, 26 June (02:00 BST)

The winners of Inter Milan v River Plate will go into the last 16, while a draw would be enough for both so long as Monterrey do not win.

If Monterrey win and the other game ends in a draw, there are multiple possibilities depending on the exact scores in both games.

The top three would all finish on five points, so it would come down to goals scored in the games between the three of them - and, if that is level, goal difference in the group, fair play or even drawing lots.

Urawa Reds are out.

Group F

Borussia Dortmund v Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns v Fluminense - Wednesday, 25 June (20:00 BST)

Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund know a point in their games would take them through.

Mamelodi Sundowns would go through with a win, while Ulsan HD are out.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[Cricket Warrior]