Inter and Juventus will learn their groups when the draw for the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup takes place on December 5 in Miami. This landmark event will determine the group stage matchups for the world’s elite football clubs in a significantly expanded tournament format.
Set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the competition will feature eight groups of four teams. The top two finishers from each group will advance to a 16-team knockout stage, culminating in the final. Unlike previous editions, there will be no third-place playoff.
This new format represents a major expansion from the previous seven-team tournament, now including powerhouses like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Juventus, Inter and Bayern Munich among its 32 participants. However, the enlarged competition has faced criticism for potentially overworking players.
Adding intrigue to the event, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will open the tournament at Hard Rock Stadium on June 15. The competition is planned to occur every four years, with the host for the 2029 edition yet to be determined.
Despite the approaching draw date, several aspects of the tournament remain unclear. Questions persist regarding revenue distribution, benefits for participating clubs, and broadcast arrangements. Currently, only one sponsor – Chinese electronics manufacturer Hisense – has been confirmed.
