The Club World Cup draw 2025 has set up exciting matchups for next summer’s tournament. Defending champions Manchester City will face Juventus, while Chelsea will take on Brazilian side Flamengo. These teams are gearing up for a showdown in the revamped 32-team format, set to take place in the United States.
Group Stage Draw Overview
In Group G, Manchester City, who clinched their first Club World Cup title in 2023, will defend their crown against Wydad of Morocco and Al Ain from the UAE, as well as Juventus. Meanwhile, 2021 winners Chelsea are placed in Group D alongside Brazilian side Flamengo, Club Leon from Mexico, and Esperance Sportive de Tunisie from Tunisia.
Other exciting matchups include Paris St-Germain taking on Atletico Madrid in Group B, while Bayern Munich faces Benfica in an all-European clash in Group C. The tournament promises a thrilling competition with 32 top clubs from around the globe.
Tournament Format and Dates
The 2025 Club World Cup will take place in the United States from 15 June to 13 July. Teams will play in a round-robin group stage, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout round. Matches will be held across 12 venues, with the final taking place in one of the major football stadiums in the US.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group Draw:
- Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
- Group B: Paris St-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
- Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
- Group D: Flamengo, Esperance Sportive de Tunisie, Chelsea, Club Leon
- Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan
- Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns
- Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus
- Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg
Controversies and Host Nation Spot
The host nation spot, controversially awarded to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, has sparked debates. Despite not winning the MLS Cup, Inter Miami secured their place by winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield, and they will face Al Ahly in the opening match.
Additionally, the decision to expand the tournament to 32 teams, with 12 from Europe, has raised questions about the scheduling and its impact on club seasons. However, FIFA assures that there will be enough recovery time before domestic leagues resume.
Conclusion:
With an expanded format and a star-studded lineup, the 2025 Club World Cup draw sets the stage for an unforgettable summer. As the tournament grows in size and global attention, clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea will look to add another prestigious title to their trophy cabinet.
External Link: BBC – FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Internal Link: Eurasia Sports – Latest Football News
