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The FIFA club world cup started 24 years ago, in 2000 and has been played every year since then. However, the buzz around next year’s edition seems to have raised renewed interest amongst football lovers. Late last year, FIFA announced a change of format starting from 2025. The new format will feature 32 clubs instead of the six from different confederations we’re used to. Now that’s something to dream about, 32 of the best teams from all over the world treating us to an avalanche of football fiesta. The clubs are selected from the six different continental football federations around the world.
As expected, UEFA has the most representatives, with 12 slots. Coming in at a distant second is CONMEBOL, with 6 representatives to the tournament. CONCACAF should have four slots, but being the host federation gives them one extra slot in 2025. The AFC and CAF boast of four representatives each, and the OFC, just one slot.
While speaking before the club world cup draw on Friday, 6th of December, the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino emphasized FIFA’s resolve to give more opportunities to players and football fans around the world. “Any club from anywhere in the world can dream [about] playing in the FIFA Club World Cup. And any player from anywhere in the world can dream [about] playing for one of these clubs because these are the best clubs in the world.
“The 32 best teams of the world – 12 European, six South American, four from the other continents, one from Oceania, [two] from North America – will play to determine, for the first time in history, which will be, really, the best club in the world. You cannot be the best if you don’t play against clubs from everywhere – the best clubs from everywhere.”
The draw, which was concluded on Friday, has us anticipating some really great matches. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are billed to kick off the event when the MLS side battles Egypt’s Al Ahly on the 15th of June, 2025 for a chance to go all the way.
Portuguese team Porto and Brazilian Palmeiras complete Group A. Brazilian wonder kid, Estavio will be eyeing the match against Lionel Messi as an opportunity to cement his place as the next biggest thing in club football before his big move to Chelsea in the summer.
Another former Barcelona star, Neymar will fancy an opportunity to reunite with staunch La Liga rivals, Real Madrid in Group H.
Paris Saint-Germain has a lot of work to do, as they plot how to get out of a group that includes Atletico Madrid, Seattle Sounders, and Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo.
FIFA has had to put out several statements over the past few months in a bid to quench the scepticism that has grabbed football stakeholders about the need for the tournament. But the plenty of support from those present at the Friday event seems to have quenched any fear about it. We’re all excited and can’t wait for the tournament to begin proper.
Full FIFA Club World Cup Grouping
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 / Espérance Sportive de Tunisie / Chelsea / Club Leon
Group E: River Plate / Urawa Red Diamonds / Monterrey / Inter Milan
Group F: Fluminense / Borussia Dortmund / Ulsan / Mamelodi SundownsGroup G: Manchester City / Wydad / Al Ain / Juventus
Group H: Real Madrid / Al Hilal / Pachuca / Salzburg
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