FIFA Announces USA as Host for the First 32-Team Club World Cup in 2025
FIFA have announced that the United States will host the first edition of a 32-team Club World Cup in 2025. The tournament will feature some of the world’s top clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester City, and is set to increase the interest in football in North America ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
UEFA Qualification for the 2025 Club World Cup
UEFA have 12 slots for the competition, four of which will be given to the most recent winners of the Champions League, namely Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City and the 2024 winner. The other eight will be decided by the European coefficient rankings but there is a limit of two clubs per country.
Manchester City to Take Part in 2023 Club World Cup
Manchester City will take part in the 2023 Club World Cup following their recent UCL triumph, which is due to take place in Saudi Arabia in December. This will be the last edition of the tournament in its current seven-club format before it switches to a 32-team format in 2025.
Impact of the Club World Cup on International Fixtures
The new Club World Cup will take place every four years and while full dates and venues are yet to be announced it is likely to take place in the summer. This will mean that the September international break will be merged with the October one in order to accommodate the additional fixtures.
Conclusion
The expansion of the Club World Cup to a 32-team format is a major step forward for FIFA and football in general. The tournament is set to increase the interest in football in North America ahead of the 2026 World Cup and provide a platform for some of the world’s top clubs to compete against each other. Manchester City are set to take part in the 2023 edition of the tournament before it switches to a 32-team format in 2025.