(Sponsored) With the club seasons now finished in the big leagues of Europe, there’s a whole continent of football fans looking for their next fix.
Of course there is plenty to be found amongst the ongoing leagues in some of the world’s other continents, plus major tournaments in the women’s game set to be played.
But now added to the mix with some fanfare is the upcoming, and expanded, FIFA Club World Cup.
What is it?
The Club World Cup has actually been running for some time (since 2000 to be precise), but its format has changed somewhat over the years.
The first edition was held in Brazil, where the crown was claimed by Corinthians after securing a penalty shoot-out win over another Brazilian side, Vasco de Gama.
The competition evolved to become an event usually held in December of each year, and where the winners of the major intercontinental competitions would face off in a knockout tournament that would then be preceded by a showpiece final.
Unsurprisingly it was Europe that dominated, with 16 of the 20 winners coming from the continent.
Real Madrid have historically been the most successful side, claiming the trophy on a total of five occasions, while Barcelona are the next most successful club with three successes.
Two teams have won the competition twice, including German giants Bayern Munich, but Corinthians of Brazil join the Bavarian club on two titles after following up that inaugural success with a second win in 2012.
No other side has won it more than once, with England having the most different winners. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all claimed the trophy, while Manchester City lifted the crown the most recent time it was played in 2023.
2025 edition to be biggest fiesta yet
FIFA announced in December 2024 that their Club World Cup format was set for a major shakeup. Instead of a smaller annual event, the new edition is set to be a bumper showpiece that will be played every four years, World Cup style.
32 teams will feature. Fans of the annual event fear not, though, because that is set to be replaced by a yearly Intercontinental Cup, featuring a final between the Champions League winners and the victor between other intercontinental play-offs.
The 2025 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup is a 63 game bonanza to be played over an entire month in the United States.
This is the first tournament to feature an extended eight-group format. There are some mouthwatering games to look forward to, with matches that are bound to get fans and betting enthusiasts excited about their soccer picks for today.
Sports betting sites around the world are climbing onboard for yet another new major football tournament.
Who to look out for
The host country will have three teams participating, with high-profile Inter Miami getting a hosts’ spot, but it’s fair to say that’s the team from the US that most fans want to see.
The reason? One diminutive number 10 who is turning back the clock to continue to produce startling moments of skill.
Lionel Messi is of course joined by a number of star teammates, including Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Inter Miami kick off proceedings in the opening game at the 65,000 capacity Hard Rock Stadium when they take on Al Ahly FC of Egypt.
11 other venues will be in use over the month, with stadiums in Los Angeles, Seattle and Washington DC among those hosting.
Europe has the most participants, with teams provided a place based on cumulative Champions League performances over the past four seasons.
Current Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain will be there, as will the winners from the past six seasons in total, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
12 European teams in total will take their places, and join clubs from all of the other continental organisations, including four each from Asia and Africa, and six from South America, including Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo.
As well as the three US teams, Mexico has two representatives (Pachuca and Monterrey), while Auckland City will join from the Oceania region.
The top two teams from each group will progress to a Round of 16, with knockout games then in progress until two teams reach the showpiece final on 13th July to be played in the MetLife Stadium in New York / New Jersey.
The winners are reportedly set to receive a cool $125m. Not bad for a summer’s work, although the impact of the expanded competition on the European leagues set to kick off in August remains to be seen.
It will be a short pre-season for those sides that’s for sure. But that’s to debate another time.
And so, a bumper football competition featuring Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Vinícius Júnior and Ousmane Dembélé is soon set to start.
There are even constant rumours that one Cristiano Ronaldo might secure a short-term deal to feature at the event everyone’s talking about.
Global football fans, sports betting enthusiasts and TV companies could not be happier. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the shiny new FIFA Club World Cup.
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