Campus Business (December 5, 2024) – The stage is set for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup following Thursday’s draw in Miami. Manchester City, the defending champions, and Chelsea, the 2021 Champions League winners, headline the tournament that will see 32 teams battling across eight groups in the United States.

Man City Draws Juventus in Group G

Manchester City has been placed in Group G alongside Italian giants Juventus, Moroccan champions Wydad AC, and UAE-based Al Ain. City will kick off their campaign against Wydad AC.

Chelsea to Clash with Flamengo in Group D

Chelsea finds themselves in Group D with Rio de Janeiro’s Flamengo, Mexican side Club Leon, and Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis. Chelsea’s opening match is against Club Leon.

Lionel Messi to Open Tournament

The tournament opener will see Lionel Messi and Inter Miami face Egyptian giants Al Ahly in Group A at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 15. Group A also includes Brazil’s Palmeiras and Portugal’s Porto.

Tournament Format and Dates

The competition, modeled after the FIFA World Cup, features 32 teams divided into eight groups. The top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout rounds, culminating in the final on July 13. The tournament spans 29 days, beginning June 15, 2025.

Complete Group Stage Draw

• Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
• Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
• Group C: Bayern Munich, Benfica, Boca Juniors, Auckland City
• Group D: Flamengo, Chelsea, Club Leon, Esperance Sportive de Tunis
• Group E: River Plate, Inter Milan, CF Monterrey, Urawa Red Diamonds
• Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns
• Group G: Manchester City, Juventus, Wydad AC, Al Ain
• Group H: Real Madrid, FC Salzburg, Al Hilal, CF Pachuca

Key Venues

The tournament will be hosted across 12 stadiums in the U.S., including the iconic Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

FIFA Unveils New Trophy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, alongside Brazilian legend Ronaldo, unveiled a new FIFA Club World Cup trophy designed in collaboration with luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co.

Trump Highlights Soccer Growth

In a pre-recorded message, former U.S. President Donald Trump praised FIFA’s efforts and highlighted the growth of soccer in the U.S., expressing pride in the country’s role in securing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What’s Next?

The Club World Cup offers football fans a thrilling preview of high-stakes international club competition ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All eyes are now on the world’s top clubs as they prepare to clash on U.S. soil next summer.