USA To Host First Ever 32-Team FIFA Club World Cup In 2025
FIFA has announced that the first 32-team Club World Cup will be held in the United States of America in 2025.
It is expected that the event will take place in June and July, approximately 12 months before the USA hosts the 23rd FIFA World Cup.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement on Friday: "The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the pinnacle of elite professional men's club football, and with the required infrastructure in place together with a massive local interest, the United States is the ideal host to kick off this new, global tournament.
"With some of the world's top clubs already qualified, fans from every continent will be bringing their passion and energy to the United States in two years' time for this significant milestone in our mission to make football truly global."
Twelve of the 32 teams will come from Europe, plus six from South America.
Asia and Africa will each be represented by four clubs, while North America will provide five teams, including Seattle Sounders and at least one more side from the US.
Oceania will provide one team.
Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Monterrey, Palmeiras, Flamengo, Al-Hilal, Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca are also among the teams that have already qualified.
READ MORE: How Do Teams Qualify For 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
The FIFA Club World Cup has been held annually since 2005 with each tournament featuring six or seven teams.
Saudi Arabia will host the next edition in December this year.
Man City, Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ahly, Leon, Auckland City, Al-Ittihad and the winners of the 2023 Copa Libertadores will be the seven teams involved.