FIFA has unveiled the 12 stadiums in the USA that will host the highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025, bringing together the top 32 clubs from across the globe to compete for the prestigious title of FIFA Club World Champions.
This announcement marks a significant step for FIFA, though some clubs have expressed concerns over the tournament’s impact on their already crowded calendars.
The tournament kicks off on Sunday, 15 June 2025, and will culminate with the final on Sunday, 13 July 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New York, New Jersey. This venue will also host the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, further establishing its status as a major footballing hub.
In addition to MetLife Stadium, 11 more venues will play host: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta), Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte), TQL Stadium (Cincinnati), Rose Bowl Stadium (Los Angeles), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami), GEODIS Park (Nashville), Camping World Stadium (Orlando), Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia), Lumen Field (Seattle), and Audi Field (Washington, D.C.).
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“Football is the most popular sport on the planet, and in 2025 a new era for club football will kick off when FIFA stages the greatest, most inclusive and merit-based global club competition right here in the United States,” a Media Release by FIFA quotes Infantino as saying during the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, New York. Infantino also revealed a new four-year partnership with Global Citizen, aimed at leveraging football to combat extreme poverty and improve educational access for millions of children.
“The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will feature 12 fantastic stadiums where a new chapter in football’s global history will be written by great players from the 32 best clubs in the world,” Infantino noted.
“This new FIFA competition is the only true example in worldwide club football of real solidarity and inclusivity, allowing the best clubs from Africa, Asia, Central and North America, and Oceania to play the powerhouses of Europe and South America in an incredible new World Cup which will impact enormously the growth of club football and talent globally.”
While Infantino praised the global inclusivity of the competition, some clubs, particularly in Europe, have voiced concerns about the impact the expanded tournament could have on player welfare. Top clubs are already grappling with congested fixtures, including domestic leagues, European competitions like the UEFA Champions League, and international commitments. The addition of the FIFA Club World Cup raises questions about the physical toll on players, with many fearing increased risk of fatigue and injuries.
The European Club Association (ECA) has previously highlighted the strain on players due to the “relentless” football calendar. Several clubs, particularly those with squads involved in multiple tournaments, are concerned that the timing of the Club World Cup—during the summer off-season—may deprive players of necessary recovery time between seasons. Some have called for FIFA to engage in deeper dialogue with stakeholders to ensure player health remains a priority.
“This is about opportunity and hope for those who need it most, and also about prestige and true football for those who make our sport shine. My thanks go to all. We never discriminate; we include everyone. This is the true spirit of the brand new FIFA Club World Cup,” Infantino added.
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FIFA has taken steps in recent years to expand the Club World Cup format, transitioning from its previous seven-team setup to a more inclusive 32-club competition. This transformation follows the globalisation of club football, with clubs from various continents demanding more visibility on the world stage. However, the expanded format also intensifies the debate around player workload, with footballers often expected to compete in year-round competitions.
In addition to the player fatigue concerns, the tournament is set against the backdrop of growing discussions around the future of club football. As more continents emerge as hotbeds for talent, particularly Africa and Asia, the new format offers these regions an opportunity to shine on the world stage. Nevertheless, clubs and federations are increasingly seeking clarity on how FIFA plans to balance commercial goals with the physical well-being of players.
“It has been an honour to make this significant tournament announcement before an enormous, energetic crowd at the Global Citizen Festival here in New York. The fans of the 32 competing clubs will create a similar buzz at the FIFA Club World Cup next year when we take it to the world,” Infantino concluded.
The draw for the tournament will take place in December, with only two spots left to be filled: one representing South America, and the other from the host nation, the United States. Following the draw, the tournament schedule, which will see the 32 clubs divided into eight groups of four, will be released. However, with top clubs still awaiting full confirmation of the match schedule, the debate over player burnout will likely continue as football enters its most congested era yet.
By Nnamdi Ezekute
