It'd be an exaggeration to suggest every football fan had their eyes fixed on Miami as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup draw was made, but there was doubtlessly some global interest.
The spectacle placed heavy emphasis on the need for unification in an increasingly divided world, something the World Cup has aimed to accomplish since its inaugural event in 1930.
Whether an expanded iteration of a competition which, for European clubs, in particular, has dwindled in significance can supply global harmony remains to be seen. Still, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is undoubtedly bullish on the tournament's prospects from a sporting perspective.
If you're not sold, perhaps Lionel Messi's presence will convince.
With the tournament following the same format used by FIFA for their World Cups between 1998 and 2022, the early December draw means teams already have their path to the final in New Jersey mapped out.
Here's a breakdown of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup groups and knockout bracket.
The 32 teams have been split into eight groups of four and the draw has thrown up a number of intriguing duels with many of the groups initially appearing tough to call.
While four of the eight groups boast two UEFA representatives, the rest comprise four teams from different confederations which means an array of matchups never seen before will be on display.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid and Manchester City vs Juventus rank among the highest-profile group-stage fixtures, but some duels boast more intrigue, such as Inter vs River Plate and Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors. There's also a repeat of the 2022 Club World Cup final between Real Madrid and Al Hilal in Group H.
Club
Palmeiras
Porto
Al Ahly
Inter Miami
Club
Paris Saint-Germain
Atletico Madrid
Botafogo
Seattle Sounders
Club
Bayern Munich
Auckland City
Boca Juniors
Benfica
Club
Flamengo
ES Tunis
Chelsea
Leon
Club
River Plate
Urawa Red Diamonds
Monterrey
Inter
Club
Fluminense
Borussia Dortmund
Ulsan HD
Mamelodi Sundowns
Club
Man City
Wydad AC
Al Ain
Juventus
Club
Real Madrid
Al Hilal
Pachuca
RB Salzburg
The 2025 Club World Cup knockout phase will kick off at the end of June, with 16 teams progressing from the group stages. Paths have already been drawn for each team all the way through to the final on 13 July.
If they win Group H, Real Madrid look poised to face either Man City or Juventus in the round of 16, while Chelsea will be keen to avoid Bayern Munich in the first knockout stage.
Messi could face up against former club PSG if Inter Miami make it out of a competitive Group A.
Fixture
Group A winner vs Group B runner-up
Group C winner vs Group D runner-up
Group E winner vs Group F runner-up
Group G winner vs Group H runner-up
Group B winner vs Group A runner-up
Group D winner vs Group C runner-up
Group F winner vs Group E runner-up
Group H winner vs Group G runner-up
Fixture
Group A winner/Group B runner-up vs Group C winner/Group D runner-up
Group E winner/Group F runner-up vs Group G winner/Group H runner-up
Group B winner/Group A runner-up vs Group D winner/Group C runner-up
Group F winner/Group E runner-up vs Group H winner vs Group G runner-up
Fixture
Group A winner/Group B runner-up/Group C winner/Group D runner-up vs Group E winner/Group F runner-up/Group G winner/Group H runner-up
Group B winner/Group A runner-up/Group D winner/Group C runner-up vs Group F winner/Group E runner-up/Group H winner vs Group G runner-up
Fixture
Location
TBC
MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
manual
© 2024 Minute Media – All rights reserved

source