The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: A Bold Vision and Its Challenges

When the first whistle blows at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, the United States will make history by hosting the inaugural edition of the world’s most significant soccer tournament in recent history.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled from June 14 to July 13, represents one of FIFA’s most daring moves in recent years. This tournament will see 32 teams compete in a format reminiscent of the national team tournaments played from 1998 to 2022: eight groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stages and culminating in a single-elimination playoff.

From a sporting perspective, this event promises to be thrilling. It will spotlight 12 European powerhouses, including Spain’s Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, Italy’s Inter Milan and Juventus, England’s Manchester City and Chelsea, the reigning Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain from France, and Germany’s Bayern Munich. The Americas will contribute 10 teams, featuring Boca Juniors, Flamengo, River Plate, Palmeiras, Botafogo, Pachuca, and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. Completing the lineup are four teams each from Asia and Africa, as well as an amateur side from Oceania.

However, there are pressing questions about this ambitious venture that demand scrutiny.

Financial Promises Amid Attendance Concerns

According to FIFA’s recent financial report from April, the tournament is projected to be a substantial financial triumph. It estimates a contribution of $21.1 billion to the global GDP, with $9.6 billion predicted for the United States. FIFA has also promised an enticing prize pool of $1 billion, with the tournament champion potentially taking home upwards of $125 million. For clubs outside the financial might of the developed world, this represents a significant opportunity for financial enhancement.

The broadcasting rights have been granted to DAZN, which will air all 63 matches free of charge. AFP noted in December 2024 that FIFA secured a deal worth approximately $1.05 billion in return. FIFA projects that stadium attendance will reach near 3.7 million globally. Yet, days before the kickoff, Ticketmaster indicated that tickets were still available for all matches, with initial ticket prices dropping significantly.

For example, ahead of the event, tickets for the opening game between Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al Ahly were approximately $69, significantly below the original price. In Los Angeles, ticket prices for the Champions League victor Paris Saint-Germain’s encounter with Atlético Madrid were as low as $61, while Real Madrid’s battle against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in Miami started at $265, and Boca Juniors’ face-off with Benfica began at $41.

With many tickets unsold close to the event’s start, and the dynamic pricing approach in the U.S. that varies based on demand, last-minute buyers might find even better deals. It seems the high initial costs may have deterred some potential attendees.

Additionally, unlike a traditional World Cup that unites fans behind national teams, this club-centered tournament garners support from only specific local fan bases, who may not have the resources or time to attend.

Latin America’s Formidable Task

The qualification process for this tournament has opened the doors for some of the world’s top teams. The Club World Cup provides a unique platform for elite players to compete at a high level. Fans can expect to witness Messi facing off against Europe’s best once again, like against Porto, or Edinson Cavani challenging Bayern Munich, while Venezuelan Salomón Rondón might finally score against Real Madrid after their previous encounters.

Historically, the Intercontinental Cup thrilled South Americans more than their European counterparts, presenting a chance for an underdog victory. This new format poses an even bigger challenge, requiring Latin American teams to conquer multiple European giants to claim the global crown.

The disparity in squad valuations between European clubs and teams from other regions implies likely European dominance. For instance, PSG’s squad is valued at just over $1 billion, a far cry from Brazil’s Botafogo, valued at $183 million. Real Madrid holds the highest value at $1.5 billion, compared to $288 million for Palmeiras, the top-valued Latin American squad.

While money doesn’t directly translate to victories on the field, it does offer European clubs a clear edge, especially given that many top Latin American talents often move abroad quickly. A case in point is River Plate’s promising star Franco Mastantuono, who is set for a transfer to Los Merengues after just 49 appearances in Buenos Aires. This tournament marks his swan song in South America.

“This is the first cup of this kind. I believe it will balance the field, and surely all clubs will be satisfied,” remarked ex-fullback and current Inter Milan executive Javier Zanetti following the tournament draw in December.

Managing Player Weariness

One notable challenge is the congested match schedule, which seems to disadvantage players from the most successful teams. For example, PSG’s Bradley Barcola accrued 3,643 minutes over 58 matches. European clubs competing in the Champions League, like Real Madrid and Manchester City, typically played around 50 matches annually across various competitions, not accounting for the 10-12 national team matches many stars participated in.

“I would have loved to compete in a tournament like this, though it might have shortened my vacations,” joked legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazário during the draw in December 2024. “We need to discuss and rectify the calendar issues. Players face numerous injuries and heavy demands. It’s essential to respect and listen to their concerns,” added the former Real Madrid star.

FIFA’s sole measure to curtail the game count appears to be eliminating the third-place match. In an April interview with CNN Sports, FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented: “We prioritize player schedules and well-being. Players prefer gaming to training, right?

Exclusivity of Top Teams

Another area ripe for improvement is the qualification system, which omits some of the current elite teams from participating. Chelsea qualified as the 2021 Champions League winners, but the reigning domestic champions of two premier leagues – the Premier League’s Liverpool and La Liga’s FC Barcelona – are conspicuously absent.

Even though Chelsea placed 12th in the Premier League for 2022/2023, sixth in 2023/2024, and achieved fourth in the latest season, its team dynamic has shifted significantly since their European triumph four years back.

Despite the inherent challenges and uncertainties, FIFA’s venture is undeniably bold and engaging. As the tournament matures, clubs might proudly display stars on their jerseys to indicate world championship victories, sparking fervent debates among fans over which club reigns as the biggest globally.