Listen to the article
In a groundbreaking announcement, FIFA has unveiled a major change to the Club World Cup, overturning the well-established calendar of this prestigious competition. Until now, the event has taken place every year before Christmas, featuring the champions of FIFA’s confederations. However, from 2025 onwards, the landscape of world soccer will be transformed, with the Club World Cup now held every four years.
FIFA confirms that the Club World Cup will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025 in the United States.
The New Format:
The revised format will feature 32 teams, including 12 from Europe, taking place between mid-June and mid-July. The last four Champions League winners, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City and the 2024 Champions League champion will be among the assured participants. The remaining eight teams will be selected according to their UEFA ranking over the last four years, with clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Benfica and Porto confirmed for the 2025 edition.
South American clubs such as Palmeiras, Flamengo and Fluminense have also been confirmed for the next edition of the Club World Cup. Three other teams from the region will be announced shortly.
In Central America, Monterrey, Seattle Sounders FC and Club León have also secured their places, with another club to be confirmed shortly.
In Africa, Al Ahly SC and Wydad AC have secured their participation, pending the announcement of two more teams.
In Asia, Al Hilal SFC and Urawa Red Diamonds have qualified, with two more clubs to be confirmed.
Finally, from the Pacific, Auckland City FC will represent the region in this global competition.
Ambitious Goals?
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter’s ambition is to further globalize soccer through this new format, while attracting considerable revenue. Profits for the victorious club could reach up to 150 million euros, a sum almost double the current Champions League winner’s reward.
Impact on Players:
However, this development raises concerns about the increased workload for players, already subject to an intense schedule. Victory in the Club World Cup will add seven matches to the victorious club’s campaign, comprising a group phase, round of 16, quarter-finals and a semi-final. In addition, FIFA plans to maintain the Intercontinental Cup each year, retaining the current format while allowing the Champions League champion to enter the final directly.
Challenge and Opportunity:
This decision, while offering attractive economic opportunities, raises crucial questions about managing players’ workloads in an already demanding calendar. The future of the Club World Cup promises to be exciting, but it will require balanced management to preserve the integrity of the sport while ensuring the well-being of the athletes.
Manchester City Makes History:
On Friday, December 22, Manchester City took part in the last Club World Cup final in the current annual format and triumphed in dazzling fashion on Saudi soil against Brazil’s Fluminense, imposing a 4-0 scoreline. Pep Guardiola, now top of the list of most successful FIFA Club World Cup managers with four victories, surpassed Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, adding a new chapter to the club’s history.
