In a major announcement on Friday, FIFA has awarded the hosting rights for the expanded Club World Cup 2025 to the United States. The tournament will feature 32 clubs for the first time.
The decision comes after FIFA expressed its plans to expand the men’s Club World Cup from seven to 32 teams back in December 2022. FIFA President, Gianni Infantino stated at the time that the tournament would transition from an annual event to a quadrennial competition.
During the unveiling of the United States as the chosen host, Infantino commended the country’s “infrastructure” and “massive local interest,” highlighting these as key criteria for the selection of the country.
“The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the pinnacle of elite professional men’s club football, and with the required infrastructure in place together with a massive local interest, the United States is the ideal host to kick off this new, global tournament”, said Infantino. He also expressed excitement about the participation of top clubs from around the world and the passion that fans from every continent would bring to the United States for this significant milestone in FIFA’s mission to globalise football.
The allocation of slots for the 2025 tournament was previously announced, with Africa receiving four places and Europe enjoying the highest share with twelve. The last edition of the seven-team Club World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia from 12th to 22nd December before the introduction of the expanded 32-team competition.
Real Madrid, the Spanish powerhouse, currently holds the title of defending champions and will look to defend their crown in this year’s tournament.
Football enthusiasts and clubs alike eagerly anticipate the Club World Cup 2025, as the United States prepares to host an unprecedented event that will showcase the best of professional men’s club football on a global scale.
