FIFA is set to announce the venues and stadiums for the highly anticipated 2025 Club World Cup in the United States this Saturday. The announcement will be made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the Global Citizen Festival, a significant music event focused on combatting poverty, taking place in Central Park.
The expanded Club World Cup will feature 32 of the world’s leading football clubs and is scheduled to run from June 15 to July 13, 2025. This new format is expected to bring together top teams from various continents, enhancing the tournament’s global appeal.
Among the clubs confirmed to participate are European powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. South American giants like Argentina’s River Plate and Boca Juniors, as well as Brazil’s Flamengo, also secured their spots, highlighting the tournament’s international stature.
Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, it has faced significant pushback, particularly from the global players’ union, FIFPro. Along with the European Leagues body, FIFPro has lodged a joint complaint with the European Commission against FIFA, arguing that the new tournament complicates the already congested international match calendar.
Critics of the Club World Cup have expressed concerns that it adds further strain to players’ workloads, already exacerbated by numerous domestic and international fixtures. The scheduling is particularly contentious as it coincides with the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will primarily take place on the West Coast of the US.
While FIFA has indicated that the Club World Cup matches are likely to be held mainly on the East Coast, there is speculation that the Seattle Sounders, a Major League Soccer club, could host a match at their home stadium. The specific venues will be clarified during Saturday’s announcement, which will help fans and teams prepare for the event.
This Club World Cup marks a significant milestone in FIFA’s efforts to globalise football, particularly as the United States gears up to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. The introduction of the expanded Club World Cup is seen as a precursor to the larger event, which is expected to draw massive global attention.
As anticipation builds for the tournament, fans worldwide are eager to see how this new competition will unfold and what it means for the future of club football.