How Are Teams Preparing for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is shaping up to be the biggest edition of the tournament yet. With FIFA expanding the format to include thirty-two teams, this new structure mirrors that of the traditional World Cup and promises higher stakes, greater exposure, and tougher competition. Scheduled to be held in the United States, the event will take place in the summer of 2025 and run from June 15th to July 13th. Top clubs from every continent are now preparing more seriously than ever, recognizing that this tournament could change the way club success is measured on a global scale.
European giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea have already qualified based on their recent UEFA Champions League success. These clubs are adjusting their long-term strategies to ensure they arrive in peak form. Real Madrid has already made moves to build depth, investing in young stars like Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, who can anchor their midfield for years to come. Meanwhile, Manchester City is working to maintain its winning culture under Pep Guardiola by blending youth development with tactical consistency. These teams are not only planning for next season—they’re planning for global dominance.
Clubs from outside Europe are also making serious preparations. Brazilian Club Palmeiras and Mexican powerhouse Club León are examples of non-European clubs that will aim to make a deep run. These teams understand that strong performances on an international stage could boost their reputations and bring more visibility to their leagues. In addition, teams in Asia and Africa are using their continental tournaments to experiment with new tactics and develop squad chemistry, hoping to avoid being overwhelmed by stronger opposition. The expanded tournament also gives smaller clubs a unique chance to compete against the world’s best.
There’s also a major logistical aspect to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Clubs are managing their schedules carefully, knowing that the tournament falls during the usual offseason. This impacts transfer windows, player rest cycles, and pre-season plans. Player management will be critical, as most participants will have just completed grueling domestic and continental campaigns. Coaches will need to be smart with rotation and fitness, or risk burnout. The timing of the tournament could become a huge factor in who thrives and who falls short.
