The United States is set to host the biggest global club tournament in soccer history next year, with a 32-team group stage being drawn on Thursday. Teams from Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania are all in the mix for FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup, which will feature an expanded format and take place in various U.S. cities from June 15 to July 13. This tournament will now be held every four years, coinciding with the World Cup for national teams.
The Club World Cup draw will take place in Miami, revealing the eight round-robin groups of four teams each, with the top two advancing to a knockout phase. The tournament aims to balance getting the best teams while providing all regions of the world a chance to participate.
Teams such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain will be part of the tournament, showcasing stars like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland. Notable absentees include Liverpool, Barcelona, and Sporting Lisbon.
The tournament will offer lucrative prize money, with a vast global broadcasting deal signed with DAZN, making all 63 games available for free. The new gold trophy, designed by Tiffany, will be the ultimate prize for the participants.
The Association of Football Leagues has detailed the history of the Club World Cup, highlighting FIFA’s efforts to make it a more attractive and lucrative event for clubs worldwide. The upcoming tournament promises to feature a mix of established stars and emerging talents, providing soccer fans with an exciting showcase of international club competition.
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