In normal circumstances, a chance for Manchester City to defend their title as world champions in a major showpiece tournament would be one they would relish.
However, the expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup from seven teams to 32 has been beset by delays, controversies and criticism. Pep Guardiola has insisted City will travel to the USA with a full squad and with the intention to defend their crown – but he has been equally critical of the new format that will extend City’s season into 12 months.
Guardiola is out of contract midway through the tournament, while Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne are in the same position. FIFA recently introduced rules to account for such situations, handing City a potential triple contract boost – although Guardiola reacted angrily when he learned of rules that will force clubs to take their ‘strongest teams’ to the Club World Cup.
What do we know so far about the 2025 Club World Cup?
The new-look tournament will take place between June 15 and July 13, kicking off just 16 days after the Champions League final, with an international window in between.
It will be held in the USA, with FIFA announcing 12 venues this week. They are:
Rose Bowl, Pasadena (Los Angeles)
Lumen Field, Seattle
MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (New York)
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Audi Field, Washington
TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
Geodis Park, Nashville
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando
Camping World Stadium, Orlando
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
The final will be held at the MetLife Stadium, with specific locations for group games and the knockout stages still to be confirmed.
30 of the 32 participating clubs have been confirmed, with a host representative from the MLS to be decided as well as the winners of the 2024 Copa Libertadores. If River Plate, who have already qualified, win that tournament, then Club Olympia of Paraguay will qualify.
Places have been allocated on performance in the top club competition for each federation, including the Champions League and Copa Libertadores which is how City qualified as 2023 winners.
Other places were allocated on four-year rankings, with a maximum of two clubs per nation qualifying via the rankings route – so Red Bull Salzburg have qualified as a result as the highest-ranked club outside of England, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Italy.
The following clubs have qualified:
UEFA: Chelsea (ENG), Real Madrid (SPA), Man City (ENG), Bayern Munich (GER), PSG (FRA), Inter Milan (ITA), Porto (POR), Benfica (POR), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Juventus (ITA), Atletico Madrid (SPA), Red Bull Salzburg (AUS).
CONMEBOL: Palmeiras (BRA), Flamengo (BRA), Fluminense (BRA), River Plate (ARG), Boca Juniors (ARG) – plus the winner of the 2024 Copa Libertadores or Olympia.
CONCACAF: Monterrey (MEX), Seattle Sounders (USA), Club Leon (MEX), Pachuca (MEX) – plus one place for an MLS team as host country).
AFC: Al-Hilal (KSA), Urawa Red Diamonds (JAP), Al Ain (UAE), Ulsan HD (KOR)
CAF: Al Ahly (EGY), Wydad AC (MAR), Esperance de Tunis (TUN), Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA).
OFC: Auckland City (NZL)
Reports this week have suggested that the MLS place will be allocated to Inter Miami, winners of the Supporters’ Shield as best-performing side in the regular league season across the Eastern and Western Conference. The MLS will progress to the postseason play-offs to decide the MLS Cup winners, which carries greater weight in the USA, but that will conclude after the draw is expected to take place.
So it is reported that Miami will be chosen – in part because FIFA will then be able to market the tournament as having Lionel Messi take part, which could set up a tantalising reunion between Messi and Pep Guardiola should they be drawn against City.
FIFA also have headquarters based in Miami, with the Hard Rock Stadium selected as one of the 12 venues for the tournament.
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