FIFA’s Club World Cup is set for a radical new look, as it expands to 32 teams for the first time.
The tournament will see giants like Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester City take on rivals from as far afield as South Africa, Australia and Tunisia at stadiums across the United States – but FIFA has already faced criticism from players for adding more games to their hectic schedule. Currently the tournament involves just seven teams – with the UEFA Champions League winner representing Europe – and historically takes place in December, but from 2025 it will be expanded to 32 sides, and be held in the summer.
There’s been significant backlash against the plans due to concerns over player exhaustion, highlighted by Manchester City’s Rodri who suggested that players might turn to strike action if pushed too hard. However those fears have been dismissed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino – who had his name engraved on the trophy – with the supremo saying: “If you look at all the national team games around the world, we still have between 1 and 2 percent of the matches which are organised by FIFA. All other matches, 98 to 99 percent, are organised by other organisations, by different leagues, associations and confederations.
“With this one or two percent matches that FIFA organises, FIFA is financing football all over the world. The revenue that we generate are not just going to few clubs in one country. The revenue that we generate are going to 211 countries. No other organisation does that. I hope that these figures will stop this futile debate.”
When and where does the draw take place?
The draw for the Club World Cup takes place at 6pm (UK time) in Miami on Thursday December 5.
When does the tournament start?
Fans looking forward to the tournament still have a while to wait before the action kicks off, with the first game scheduled for Sunday June 15. From there, in the style of a traditional World Cup, the event runs until the final on Sunday July 13.
What format does it follow?
The tournament format will be familiar for any football fan, as it mirrors that used in the World Cup.. A group stage composed of eight groups of four teams per group playing in a single-game round-robin format, with the top two sides in each group progressing to the last 16. From there it’s a direct single match knockout format all the way to the final – with no play-off for third place.
Where are games being held?
Matches will take place across the United States, from Seattle and Los Angeles on the west coast to New York, Washington DC and Miami on the east. The final will be held at the MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants NFL team.
What are the seedings for the Club World Cup?
Pot 1: Manchester City (ENG), Real Madrid (ESP), Bayern Munich (GER), Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), CR Flamengo (BRA), SE Palmeiras (BRA), CA River Plate (ARG), Fluminense FC (BRA)
Pot 2: Chelsea (ENG), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Inter Milan (ITA), FC Porto (POR), Atlético Madrid (ESP), Benfica (POR), Juventus (ITA), FC Salzburg (AUT)
Pot 3: Al Hilal (KSA), Ulsan HD (KOR), Al Ahly FC (EGY), Wydad AC (MAR), CF Monterrey (MEX), Club León (MEX), CA Boca Juniors (ARG), Botafogo (BRA)
Pot 4: Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN), Al Ain FC (UAE), Espérance Sportive de Tunisie (TUN), Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA), CF Pachuca (MEX), Seattle Sounders FC (USA), Auckland City FC (NZL), Inter Miami (USA)
How can I watch the draw?
The draw will be broadcast live on Fifa.com.