The draw for the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup took place today, December 5, 2024, at 19:00. This expanded tournament, scheduled from June 15 to July 13, 2025, across various U.S. venues, marks a significant evolution in global club football.
The draw
Knockout Stage Pathways:
To ensure competitive balance, two separate knockout pathways have been established:
– Pathway 1: Winners of Groups A, C, E, and G will face runners-up of Groups B, D, F, and H.-
Pathway 2: Winners of Groups B, D, F, and H will face runners-up of Groups A, C, E, and G.
This structure prevents top-seeded UEFA and CONMEBOL teams from meeting before the semi-finals, provided they win their groups.
Special Allocations:
For scheduling purposes, Inter Miami CF and Seattle Sounders FC, representing the host nation, will be placed in Groups A and B, respectively. Inter Miami CF will play the tournament’s opening match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, while the Sounders will begin at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The draw will be streamed live on FIFA.com and FIFA+, allowing fans worldwide to witness the formation of groups for this landmark tournament.
This expanded Club World Cup aims to elevate global club competition, offering fans the opportunity to see their teams compete on an international stage.
