2025 FIFA Club World Cup Expands to 32 Teams and Heads to the U.S.

Historic Expansion Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to make history as the tournament expands to 32 teams and will be hosted in the United States for the first time. In a strategic move, FIFA announced the expansion as part of its preparations for the 2026 Men's World Cup, which will also be hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Scheduled for June 2025, the revamped Club World Cup will offer fans an unprecedented chance to watch top-tier club competition on American soil, featuring champions from across six confederations.

What the Expansion Means

Previously a tournament with a small pool of seven teams, the newly expanded format mirrors the layout of the FIFA World Cup and aims to:

• Increase global interest in club football
• Enhance commercial opportunities for clubs and FIFA
• Serve as a test run for stadiums and infrastructure ahead of 2026

The competition will include elite clubs from each confederation, including powerhouses from Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa — delivering a true global showcase of talent.

U.S. Ready to Embrace Global Soccer

The United States is seen as an ideal setting with state-of-the-art stadiums, a growing soccer fan base, and established sporting infrastructure. Hosting duties for the 2025 Club World Cup provides a valuable opportunity for the U.S. to demonstrate its readiness for the 2026 World Cup while continuing to grow the sport domestically.

Potential Impact on Major Leagues

MLS teams could be among the participants if they qualify, offering opportunities to compete against elite international clubs. This could be a game-changer for the league in terms of exposure and competitiveness.

Conclusion

With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup coming to the U.S. and expanding to 32 teams, it marks a new chapter for international club football. It not only elevates the status of the tournament but also acts as the perfect lead-in to the global spectacle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Global football is ready to take center stage in the U.S. — and fans won't want to miss a moment.