FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – All the Basics You Need

If you love club football, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is the event you don’t want to miss. It brings together the champions from every continent for a short, high‑stakes knockout series. Below you’ll find the key facts, from when it kicks off to how you can catch every goal.

When and Where Does It Happen?

The tournament runs from 7 December to 14 December 2025. This year FIFA chose Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium as the host venue. The stadium holds about 44,000 fans and offers modern facilities, so the atmosphere should be electric.

All eight teams play in a straight‑knockout format. There are two quarter‑finals, two semi‑finals, a third‑place playoff, and the final. Because it’s a compact schedule, fans get a game almost every day.

Who’s Playing?

The line‑up includes the winners of the six continental confederations plus the host nation’s league champion and a spot for the FIFA‑ranked club if needed. Expect big names like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Palmeiras, plus the host’s Al‑Ain, who qualified as the UAE Pro‑League champion.

One storyline to watch is Kylian Mbappé’s return to Real Madrid training after missing two Club World Cup matches with illness. His fitness could be a deciding factor in the semi‑finals.

Other clubs to keep an eye on are Al‑Hilal from Asia, who have a strong record in the AFC Champions League, and River Plate, South America’s representative.

How to Get Tickets

Tickets go on sale two months before the tournament. FIFA’s official site offers three categories: standard, premium, and hospitality. The cheapest seats start at about $80, while premium tickets can climb above $300. Early birds often get the best seats, so set a reminder for the sale date.

If you’re traveling, book accommodation near the stadium early. Abu Dhabi’s hotel market fills up fast during major events, and prices can jump.

Best Ways to Watch Live

Outside the stadium, the broadcast rights belong to a mix of regional networks. In Africa, SuperSport usually carries the matches, while in Europe you’ll find the games on beIN Sports. In the United States, Fox Sports holds the rights and streams the matches on the Fox Sports app.

For fans who prefer streaming, the official FIFA app offers a live‑stream option with a small subscription fee. It works on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, and includes match highlights and stats.

What to Expect on the Pitch

The knockout format means every game is do‑or‑die. Teams often play a more cautious style in the early rounds, but the final usually opens up with plenty of attacking football. Expect a fast tempo, lots of substitutions, and a chance for lesser‑known clubs to cause an upset.

Coaches will also use the tournament to test new tactics ahead of their domestic seasons. That makes the Club World Cup a great preview of what we might see later in the year.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a die‑hard fan planning a trip to Abu Dhabi or someone who will watch from the couch, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 promises excitement from start to finish. Mark the dates, grab your tickets or streaming pass early, and get ready for a week of world‑class club football.