Meet the Teams of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup – 32 Clubs, 6 Continents, One Goal

Who’s In? A Breakdown of the 32 Clubs at the Club World Cup

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is its sheer scope: 32 clubs from six different continents will compete. As a long-time footy follower, I’m amazed looking at the lineup – it’s like a dream list of clubs you’d never normally see in the same competition. European giants, South American powerhouses, North American underdogs, Asian and African champions, and even a club from tiny New Zealand are all in the mix. Let’s dive into who these teams are, how they earned their spots, and what the group stage looks like.

How Did Each Team Qualify?

With so many slots available, the qualification system was a bit complex (and controversial in some cases). FIFA allocated spots to each continent based on historical strength and gave a bonus slot to the host nation’s league. Here’s the rundown:

• Europe (UEFA) – 12 clubs qualified, by far the largest contingent. These include the winners of the UEFA Champions League from 2021 through 2024, plus additional high-ranked teams over that period. Europe’s lineup is essentially a who’s who of club football: Chelsea (2021 UCL winners), Real Madrid (2022 UCL winners), Manchester City (2023 UCL winners), and Botafogo (2024 Copa Libertadores winners – oops, wait, Botafogo is South American; let’s correct that in a moment!). For Europe, beyond the Champions League winners, the rest were selected via a UEFA club ranking over four seasonsen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org. That ranking granted spots to the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, and Red Bull Salzburg. Notably, due to a FIFA rule capping entries at two per country (except if additional teams won the Champions League), some big names missed out – for instance, Liverpool and Barcelona were actually ranked highly but didn’t qualify because England and Spain already filled their two slots with other clubs. It feels strange not seeing Barca or Liverpool in a major tournament, but it speaks to how competitive Europe is.

• South America (CONMEBOL) – 6 clubs qualified. They took the Copa Libertadores winners from 2021 to 2024, which gave spots to Brazilian clubs Palmeiras (2021), Flamengo (2022), Fluminense (2023), and Botafogo (2024). Two more Argentine giants, River Plate and Boca Juniors, grabbed the remaining slots via CONMEBOL’s ranking systemen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org. So we’ve got four Brazilian and two Argentine teams carrying the South American banner. That’s a fiery contingent – these clubs have passionate followings and a rich history in international competition. (I can already imagine the sea of green Palmeiras shirts or the red-hot atmosphere Boca Juniors fans will create!)

• North & Central America (CONCACAF) – 4 clubs qualified. Here it gets interesting: traditionally, only the CONCACAF Champions League winner would go, but now we have four slots. We have Monterrey from Mexico (2021 Champions League winners), Seattle Sounders FC from the USA (2022 Champions League winners, and notably the first American club to win that trophy), Pachuca from Mexico (2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners in 2024)en.wikipedia.org, and Los Angeles FC (USA) who clinched the final spot via a play-in matchen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org. That play-in was needed because a bizarre situation arose: Mexico’s León had won the 2023 Champions League but because Monterrey and Pachuca already filled Mexico’s two allotted slots (again that two-per-country rule), León was initially set to be excluded. On top of that, León and Pachuca share the same owner, which FIFA flagged as a conflicten.wikipedia.org. Ultimately, León was dropped and LAFC (the 2023 finalist) faced Club América in a one-off playoff – which LAFC won in extra time – to take the spot. Whew! As a result, CONCACAF is represented by two Mexican clubs and two MLS clubs. That’s huge for Major League Soccer – it’s not often (or ever) you see two MLS teams in a FIFA tournament. Seattle and LAFC will try to prove the region can compete with the big boys.

• Africa (CAF) – 4 clubs qualified. They include Al Ahly from Egypt (winners of the 2021 CAF Champions League), Wydad AC from Morocco (2022 CAF CL winners), and two others via ranking: Espérance de Tunis from Tunisia and Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africaen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org. Al Ahly, in particular, is a club steeped in history – they’ve appeared in the old Club World Cup numerous times (this will be their tenth appearance!). They’re often dubbed “the Club of the Century” in Africa. I’ll be watching to see if they can finally make a deep run against non-African opposition. Wydad from Casablanca is another strong side, having pushed some big teams hard in the past. The African clubs might not be favorites to win it all, but they’ve got pedigree and could spring a surprise.

• Asia (AFC) – 4 clubs qualified. Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia (2021 AFC Champions League winners) will be there – and they are no strangers to this stage (finalists in the 2023 smaller CWC, and known for signing big stars recently). Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan (2022 AFC CL winners) are another familiar name, having won multiple Asian titles. Then there’s Al Ain of UAE (2024 AFC CL winners) and Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea, who got in as the best overall Asian team in the ranking that hadn’t already qualifieden.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org. A fun fact: Intercontinental club competitions mean some of these Asian clubs have star power now – Al Hilal, for example, have attracted players like Neymar and other ex-European stars (though Neymar was injured for much of 2024, he could feature in 2025 if fit). I’m curious to see how an Asian club with that kind of talent measures up against, say, a PSG or Real Madrid on the field.

• Oceania (OFC) – 1 club qualified. Auckland City FC of New Zealand booked the lone Oceania spot as the top OFC Champions League performer over 2021-2024en.wikipedia.org. If you follow the Club World Cup legacy, you know Auckland City – they’re basically ever-present, having represented Oceania countless times (and even achieved a third-place finish way back in 2014, which remains one of the best underdog stories of the tournament’s history!). Auckland City are amateurs/semi-pros going up against the world’s elite, but they relish these opportunities. In 2025, they’ll again be the ultimate underdog story to cheer for.

• Host Nation (USA) – 1 club qualified. This was a bit of a curveball: FIFA granted the host country a slot, and instead of the reigning MLS champion, they awarded it to the team with the best regular-season record in 2024. That turned out to be Inter Miami CF, thanks to winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield (top of the table in the season)en.wikipedia.org. Normally, one would expect the MLS Cup champion to represent the U.S., but Inter Miami didn’t even win the MLS Cup – they got knocked out in the first playoff round, which raised a few eyebrowsweb.archive.org. The rationale was likely that the Supporters’ Shield is a better gauge of season-long strength (and perhaps, let’s be honest, having Lionel Messi’s team in the tournament is a massive draw). So Inter Miami gets a golden ticket. It’s a controversial inclusion, but as a local fan, I can’t complain about seeing Messi and Busquets get a shot at international silverware in my home country!

In summary, we have 12 European clubs, 6 South American, 4 North American, 4 African, 4 Asian, 1 Oceania, and 1 extra from the USA. It truly spans the globe. The lineup features clubs that have won a combined dozens of Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and other continental titles. Yet, there are also first-timers: for example, Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders are debuting on this world stage; Espérance de Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns have been to Club World Cups before but never in a tournament this large; Red Bull Salzburg from Austria is another newcomer from Europe’s side.

The Group Draw: Heavyweights and Intriguing Matchups

The draw for the group stage took place in Miami in early December 2024, and it produced some fascinating groups. Each group (labeled A through H) has one team from each of four “pots” that FIFA arranged to balance regions and strengthsweb.archive.org. Let’s highlight a few groups that jump out:

• Group A: Palmeiras (Brazil), FC Porto (Portugal), Al Ahly (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA). This group is notable for a couple reasons. Palmeiras and Porto are both champions in their own realms (Palmeiras won the 2021 Copa Libertadores; Porto is a two-time European champion historically). Al Ahly is an African giant and certainly no pushover – they have a record ten African Champions League titles! Then you have Inter Miami as the wild card with Messi. Many see Palmeiras and Porto as favorites to advance, but I’ll be very curious to see Messi face a team like Porto, and whether Al Ahly can impose themselves. The opener of the whole tournament is Al Ahly vs Inter Miami in Miami – that atmosphere will be electric, with a mix of Egyptian fans and local Miami supporters coming for Messi.

• Group B: Atlético Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Seattle Sounders (USA). Wow! If you like contrasts in style, Group B offers that. PSG is packed with superstar talent (even though Messi left them, they’ve still got the likes of Kylian Mbappé as of 2024 – unless rumors of him joining Real came true by then, in which case PSG will reload with someone like Gonçalo Ramos and new stars). Atlético Madrid brings their gritty, tactical European approach under Simeone. Botafogo, the Brazilian club, actually qualified by winning the 2024 Copa Libertadores in a Cinderella run – they aren’t as internationally known as Flamengo or Palmeiras, but they’ve had a resurgence. And Seattle Sounders, my fellow MLS fans will know, were CONCACAF champions in 2022. Seattle has experience playing top clubs (they gave Real Madrid a decent challenge in the 2023 Club World Cup quarterfinal for about 80 minutes). It’s a tough group, but one I’ll watch closely. Don’t sleep on Seattle possibly snatching a surprise result at home – yes, one of their group games will be in Seattle at Lumen Field, likely against PSG or Atlético, which could give them a nice home boost.

• Group C: Bayern Munich (Germany), Boca Juniors (Argentina), Benfica (Portugal), Auckland City (New Zealand). This might be dubbed the “heritage group” – Bayern and Boca are both clubs with immense history and fan support. Boca’s fans will travel anywhere; I suspect their matches will feel like Bombonera stadium atmospheres transplanted to the U.S. Bayern Munich, led by stars like Harry Kane and company, are obviously one of the tournament favorites. Benfica is a strong Portuguese side that shouldn’t be underestimated (they have a knack for producing and fielding great talent). And then little Auckland City, who will give it their all. I have a soft spot for Auckland City – these part-timers have heart. But realistically, facing Bayern’s firepower or Boca’s intensity is a tall mountain for them. For Boca vs Bayern, by the way, that is a clash of club cultures we rarely see – South American mystique vs German efficiency. Should be fun.

• Group D: Chelsea (England), Flamengo (Brazil), Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia), Los Angeles FC (USA). This group might be my personal “Group of Death.” Chelsea, despite their ups and downs domestically, have loads of talent and won the Champions League in 2021. Flamengo is one of Brazil’s biggest clubs, winners of Copa Libertadores in 2022, and they have a squad full of experienced players (some with European stints under their belt). LAFC, featuring possibly some veteran stars (and notably they just signed Olivier Giroud as the squad lists show – what an interesting pickup for this tournament!), will be competitive and have the advantage of playing in familiar conditions when games are in the U.S. And Espérance, the champions of Tunisia and a dominant force in Africa, add an unpredictable element. Only two can advance – it’s genuinely hard to pick. Chelsea and Flamengo might be favorites on paper, but LAFC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles against Flamengo, for example, could be a massive game with home crowd support. I can’t wait for that.

• Group G: Manchester City (England), Juventus (Italy), Wydad AC (Morocco), Al Ain (UAE). City vs Juve is a headline matchup here – Pep’s free-flowing side against the Italian giants looking for European redemption. City are defending champions of the old format and undoubtedly one of the teams to beat. Juventus, who qualified via UEFA ranking, get a second life to chase a world title despite not winning the Champions League recently. But watch out for Wydad, the Moroccan champs – they have surprised before (nearly beating big European teams in past tournaments) – and Al Ain, who will enjoy representing the UAE after winning the Asian CL. In fact, Al Ain has a history of a miracle run: back in 2018, they made it to the Club World Cup final on home soil. So they won’t be intimidated.

• Group H: Real Madrid (Spain), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Red Bull Salzburg (Austria), Pachuca (Mexico). Real Madrid, the record 14-time European champions, probably smiled at this draw. On paper, they are clear favorites in Group H. Yet there are storylines: Real will face Al Hilal in a rematch of sorts (Al Hilal was the finalist in the 2023 edition that Real won). Al Hilal now possibly with Neymar and other stars could give Real a game, especially if played in a city with lots of Saudi support. Pachuca from Mexico are a solid squad and have been in multiple Club World Cups – they won’t fear Real, but they’ll need a miracle to top them. Salzburg is an interesting inclusion: young, dynamic, but untested at this level. For me, it’s mostly about seeing Real’s big names (now including Kylian Mbappé, who in this reality joined Real and will line up alongside Vinícius Jr – what a duo!) and whether any team in this group can upset them. Real’s first match is reportedly against Al Hilal in Miami, which could feature a Messi vs. Ronaldo vibe if you consider Neymar at Al Hilal and Mbappé at Real – star power galorealjazeera.comaljazeera.com.

Every group has its nuances, and I could go on. But the bottom line: no match is a foregone conclusion. Even the lesser-known clubs have earned their place and often come into these tournaments with a point to prove. One beauty of having a group stage is we’ll get more intercontinental clashes. In past smaller editions, a club like Al Ahly or Auckland City might get only one shot against a European or South American team and then bow out; here they play at least three matches, which I think is fantastic for exposure and competitive experience.

Giants vs. Underdogs: What to Watch For

In terms of pedigree, Europe and South America dominate – and history suggests one of those clubs will likely win the trophy. European clubs have won every Club World Cup since 2013. However, the expanded format and one-off games could throw curveballs. Clubs might rotate players given the tight schedule, and there’s always the chance of penalty shootout drama in knockouts.

I’ll be watching if any club from outside the traditional power centers can make the quarter-finals (top 8). Perhaps Monterrey from Mexico, or Al Hilal from Saudi, or maybe Wydad from Morocco could sneak through a group. These clubs are seasoned competitors. Monterrey, for example, have beaten European sides in friendlies and have several third-place finishes in old Club World Cups. Pachuca, another Mexican side, is in Group H which might give them a puncher’s chance to come second if they can beat Salzburg and draw with Al Hilal or something.

From a narrative standpoint, there are so many juicy possibilities: Could we see an all-Brazilian quarter-final if multiple Brazilian teams advance? How about potential Europe vs. Europe clashes – like a Real Madrid vs. Man City showdown, but on American soil for a world title? It’s possible in later rounds. There’s even a chance (dare I dream) of an MLS club meeting a European giant in knockouts if, say, LAFC or Seattle squeeze out of their group. As an American fan, that scenario both excites and terrifies me! But it would be huge for the growth of the game here.

And let’s not forget, Inter Miami’s presence means Lionel Messi will likely grace this tournament. Messi’s team is in Group A, and if they somehow advanced (they’d have to likely upset either Palmeiras or Porto), the scriptwriters would have a field day. Imagine a round of 16 with Messi’s Miami facing, say, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich – the storylines write themselves.

On the flip side, absences of certain big clubs have also been a talking point. We won’t see English clubs like Liverpool, Man United, or Arsenal; no Barcelona from Spain; no Milan from Italy. It’s a bit odd, but it’s a result of the qualification criteria. Some European media have critiqued that the tournament might miss those blockbuster names. However, once the ball starts rolling, the focus will be on those who are there, not who isn’t.

In summary, the teams of the 2025 Club World Cup represent a true festival of club football. From the kings of Europe to the conquerors of Oceania, from megastars in the lineup to journeymen players seizing a once-in-a-lifetime chance – it’s a diverse cast. All 32 clubs share one goal: to be crowned world champions. Only one will achieve it, but along the way we’re guaranteed plenty of drama and memorable moments. As a fan writing about it, I can’t wait to watch these teams collide and see who rises to the occasion on the world stage.