In a significant development, FIFA has chosen the United States to host the expanded Club World Cup in 2025. The tournament, which will feature 32 clubs, will take place in the United States, the world football governing body announced on Friday.
FIFA announced in December 2022 that it intended to increase the number of participating teams in the men’s Club World Cup from seven to 32. At the time, Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, announced that the tournament would change from an annual event to a quadrennial one.
Infantino praised the nation’s “infrastructure” and “massive local interest” during the announcement of the US as the chosen host, highlighting these as important factors in choosing the CONCACAF giants.
The United States is the ideal host to launch this new, international competition, according to Infantino. “The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the pinnacle of elite professional men’s club football, and with the necessary infrastructure in place combined with a massive local interest,” he said. In addition, he expressed excitement about the top clubs from around the world participating and the fervour that fans from all over the world would bring to the United States for this crucial turning point in FIFA’s globalisation of football.
It was previously announced how the slots would be distributed for the tournament in 2025, with Africa receiving four spots and Europe receiving the highest share with twelve. Before the introduction of the expanded 32-team competition, Saudi Arabia will host the final edition of the seven-team Club World Cup from December 12 to 22.
The reigning champions this year are the Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, who will attempt to retain their title in this year’s competition.
The Club World Cup 2025, which will be held in the United States and feature the best of professional men’s club football on a global scale, is eagerly anticipated by both clubs and football fans.
