FIFA Club World Cup Begins in Multiple US Cities with 32 Teams

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to debut in the United States from June 14 to July 13, featuring an expanded 32-team format with clubs from all continents, including 12 from Europe and six from South America. The tournament serves as a crucial test run for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, testing infrastructure, transportation, and fan engagement across 12 venues nationwide. High-profile teams like Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, and others such as Al Ahly, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain highlight the competition, which kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a venue praised for its state-of-the-art facilities and newly installed hybrid grass turf optimized specifically for this event. FIFA operations are centralized in Miami, where staff meticulously coordinate team arrivals, security, and logistics to ensure a smooth tournament experience. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called this edition the pinnacle of club football, emphasizing the significance of the event in elevating international club competition and showcasing American cities' growing importance in global sports. Overall, the tournament promises thrilling matches and is seen as a pivotal moment for global football ahead of next year’s World Cup.