Anne Wong
Fifa has unveiled the 12 stadiums set to host the revamped Club World Cup in 2025, taking place in the United States.
The expanded tournament will feature 32 teams and run from June 15 to July 13, bringing football action to cities across the country.
The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just five miles from New York City. Other venues include the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Additionally, Geodis Park in Nashville and Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte are part of the lineup. Camping World Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando are also included.
On the West Coast, Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles will host matches. Lumen Field in Seattle is another significant venue for the event.
These selections highlight the tournament’s national reach, with matches spanning from the East Coast to the West Coast.
Top European clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid have secured their spots. These teams qualified by winning the Champions League in recent years.
Other notable European participants include Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, and Benfica.
The tournament will feature six South American clubs and 12 teams from Asia, Africa, and North America. One spot is reserved for an Oceania club.
The United States, as the host nation, will also have a representative in the competition.
Fifa’s decision to expand the competition has faced criticism. Clubs and players have voiced concerns, particularly over the congested fixture list.
Global players’ union Fifpro and the European Leagues body complained to the European Commission, alleging Fifa’s dominance in football.
In response, Fifa emphasized the inclusivity and merit-based nature of the competition. Fifa president Gianni Infantino described the tournament as a new era for club football.
However, some players have warned that the packed schedules could lead to strikes, raising tensions in the football community.
The Club World Cup had previously been an annual event with fewer teams. The new format aims to create a more inclusive and competitive landscape.
With 32 teams and a schedule running for nearly a month, the tournament promises extensive football action for fans worldwide.
The 2025 Club World Cup in the United States aims to be a groundbreaking event, bringing together top clubs from around the globe.
This expanded format showcases football’s growing reach and the sport’s evolving dynamics on the global stage.
