Five reasons to get excited for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Published: Apr 09, 2025
The countdown is on! We are exactly 66 days until FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicks off with Al Ahly vs Inter Miami in south Florida , signalling the official start to the biggest edition of the tournament to date. All of which will be broadcast live and for free worldwide on DAZN . 
FIFA As noted, this year's edition will be the biggest version of the FIFA Club World Cup by far. The tournament has been expanded to 32 teams, broadening the scope of the competition substantially. That means more goals, more fans and more surprises as clubs must now get past an increased number of opponents in order to claim the ultimate prize. It will feel more like a World Cup - and who doesn't love a World Cup? Clubs are representing their country for global glory, as they must battle through both a group stage followed by knockout rounds to reach the final. It is one thing to be crowned a European or South American winner, but to be a world champion at club level is another stature all together. 
Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images An expanded Club World Cup will provide something very rare in team sports - clubs from across continents going head-to-head. We get to experience the Champions League, Copa Libertadores, et al every year, as teams from the same continents do battle. Even at international level we only get to see pan-continental clashes every four years at the World Cup, select Copa America tournaments notwithstanding. But this competition allows football fans to finally see different, exotic clubs play each other, showcasing how different tactics, skills and mentalities will play out. Fans get to watch new and previously unknown players, coaches and personalities. Unfamiliar kits will be seen in all their glory of the American sun, while fans in the stadiums from across the globe will show off what makes their support unique and special. It finally allows us to answer the great debates - who is best at football, Europeans or South Americans? Or the fantasy questions - who would win between Real Madrid and Boca Juniors? Come June, we will start to get these answers in this rare feast of football. 
Eduardo MunozAlvarez/VIEW press via Getty Images With the Club World Cup taking place in the United States, fans will get a pseudo preview of how the 2026 FIFA World Cup will unfold. That's because the 2026 international tournament will be held mostly in the US, with games also in Canada and Mexico. The CWC will use many of the same venues and host cities that are earmarked as hosts for the 2026 tournament. That includes the final venue itself, with the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosting both the CWC finale on July 13, 2025, and the World Cup final on July 19, 2026. This will allow fans and players alike to get a feel for some of the spectacular stadiums that will be in use next year — including the venue for the final of both tournaments, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. 
(Getty Images) Lionel Messi has been at the top of the footballing world for nearly two decades, winning everything there is to win in the game. While he continues to dazzle for Inter Miami and Argentina, his playing days are unfortunately closer to the end than they are to the beginning. Opportunities to watch Messi perform in major tournaments are rapidly shrinking, so catching a glimpse of the Argentine superstar at the Club World Cup should be on any fan's to-do list. 
PA One of the biggest stories of this summer's competition will be Manchester City, the current Club World Cup holders, after winning their first title in 2023 . The Sky Blues have emerged as one of the top clubs in the world over the past decade and started their season as one of the favourites to win this tournament. However, this season has been a tough one for Pep Guardiola's men, as they spectacularly failed in their bid for a record-breaking fifth consecutive Premier League title, while being knocked out of the Champions League early. Given the way their campaign has gone, will City be able to lift themselves again to mount a credible title defence in an expanded tournament? With players recovering from long-term injuries like Rodri potentially back for the summer tournament, a good showing in the US is very possible. Could it signal a return to form ahead of their next Premier League campaign? Lifting the trophy again, after the domestic season they have endured, would be an incredible turnaround and a remarkable Club World Cup story.
In all, 32 clubs from around the world will descend on the United States to decide the best club side in the world. The excitement is building, but in case you need even more motivation to look forward to the competition, here are five reasons to get excited for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Bigger stakes
FIFA As noted, this year's edition will be the biggest version of the FIFA Club World Cup by far. The tournament has been expanded to 32 teams, broadening the scope of the competition substantially. That means more goals, more fans and more surprises as clubs must now get past an increased number of opponents in order to claim the ultimate prize. It will feel more like a World Cup - and who doesn't love a World Cup? Clubs are representing their country for global glory, as they must battle through both a group stage followed by knockout rounds to reach the final. It is one thing to be crowned a European or South American winner, but to be a world champion at club level is another stature all together. A rare sight in sport
Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images An expanded Club World Cup will provide something very rare in team sports - clubs from across continents going head-to-head. We get to experience the Champions League, Copa Libertadores, et al every year, as teams from the same continents do battle. Even at international level we only get to see pan-continental clashes every four years at the World Cup, select Copa America tournaments notwithstanding. But this competition allows football fans to finally see different, exotic clubs play each other, showcasing how different tactics, skills and mentalities will play out. Fans get to watch new and previously unknown players, coaches and personalities. Unfamiliar kits will be seen in all their glory of the American sun, while fans in the stadiums from across the globe will show off what makes their support unique and special. It finally allows us to answer the great debates - who is best at football, Europeans or South Americans? Or the fantasy questions - who would win between Real Madrid and Boca Juniors? Come June, we will start to get these answers in this rare feast of football. A 2026 World Cup preview
Eduardo MunozAlvarez/VIEW press via Getty Images With the Club World Cup taking place in the United States, fans will get a pseudo preview of how the 2026 FIFA World Cup will unfold. That's because the 2026 international tournament will be held mostly in the US, with games also in Canada and Mexico. The CWC will use many of the same venues and host cities that are earmarked as hosts for the 2026 tournament. That includes the final venue itself, with the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosting both the CWC finale on July 13, 2025, and the World Cup final on July 19, 2026. This will allow fans and players alike to get a feel for some of the spectacular stadiums that will be in use next year — including the venue for the final of both tournaments, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Messi Mania is nearing an end
(Getty Images) Lionel Messi has been at the top of the footballing world for nearly two decades, winning everything there is to win in the game. While he continues to dazzle for Inter Miami and Argentina, his playing days are unfortunately closer to the end than they are to the beginning. Opportunities to watch Messi perform in major tournaments are rapidly shrinking, so catching a glimpse of the Argentine superstar at the Club World Cup should be on any fan's to-do list. Can Man City defend their title?
PA One of the biggest stories of this summer's competition will be Manchester City, the current Club World Cup holders, after winning their first title in 2023 . The Sky Blues have emerged as one of the top clubs in the world over the past decade and started their season as one of the favourites to win this tournament. However, this season has been a tough one for Pep Guardiola's men, as they spectacularly failed in their bid for a record-breaking fifth consecutive Premier League title, while being knocked out of the Champions League early. Given the way their campaign has gone, will City be able to lift themselves again to mount a credible title defence in an expanded tournament? With players recovering from long-term injuries like Rodri potentially back for the summer tournament, a good showing in the US is very possible. Could it signal a return to form ahead of their next Premier League campaign? Lifting the trophy again, after the domestic season they have endured, would be an incredible turnaround and a remarkable Club World Cup story. Watch the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZN
Sign up now for a free DAZN account to watch the Club World Cup, starting on Saturday, June 14. Or, if you are already a DAZN subscriber or Freemium member, then the tournament is part of your current membership. A DAZN Freemium account costs nothing and provides access to action across football, boxing, NFL, golf, motorsports, basketball, padel and more*. Free TV Channels include Matchroom Boxing, PGA Tour, PowerSports World, Billiard TV and Padel Time TV*. You only need an email address to register for a Freemium account, with no hidden costs. Join now to watch the FIFA Club World Cup and other sport for free on DAZN. Sign up here . *Sports and channels dependent on country of residence
More Club World Cup
- 2025 FIFA Club World Cup fixtures, groups, schedule, venues
- Club World Cup format explained
- Who is the favourite to win the FIFA Club World Cup?
- How to watch the Club World Cup on DAZN
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