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FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Full Tournament Recap

club world cup bet365

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is already proving to be one of the most exciting international football tournaments in recent memory. With elite clubs from every continent, surprising results, and major implications for fans and bettors alike, the action is heating up as we head into the knockout stage. FIFA decided to create the FIFA Club World Cup to bring together top clubs from different continents and establish a global stage for club football. Here’s everything you need to know.

Unlike the FIFA World Cup, which features national teams competing for the highest honour in international football, the FIFA Club World Cup is contested by the best club teams from each continent, highlighting the difference between club and national team competitions.

Introduction: What Makes the 2025 Edition Special?

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to redefine global club football with its bold new format and record-breaking prize money. For the first time ever, 32 elite teams from across the globe will compete, divided into eight groups, making this the most expansive and competitive FIFA Club World Cup to date. This new format promises more high-stakes matches, more drama, and more opportunities for clubs to make their mark on the world stage.

With a staggering $1 billion in total prize money up for grabs—and the winners set to take home up to $125 million—the stakes have never been higher.

This massive financial incentive is drawing attention from clubs, players, and sponsors worldwide, turning the 2025 event into a true showcase of football’s global reach and business power.

As the beautiful game continues to evolve, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup stands out as a must-watch event for fans, bettors, and anyone interested in the intersection of sport, money, and international prestige.


History & Tournament Format

The FIFA Club World Cup has come a long way since its inaugural edition in Brazil back in 2000. Over the years, the tournament has grown in both size and stature, bringing together the best clubs from every continent to compete for the ultimate prize in club football. The 2025 edition marks the biggest change yet, with the competition expanding to 32 teams and introducing a new group qualifying system.

Under the new format, the 32 clubs are split into eight groups of four. Each team plays three group matches, battling for a coveted spot in the knockout stage. Only the top two teams from each group will advance, making every point crucial in the race to the round of 16. From there, it’s a straight knockout: round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final, where the world’s best club will be crowned.

This year’s tournament is hosted in the United States, with world-class stadiums providing the stage for unforgettable football moments. Fans can expect to see giants like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and River Plate fighting for supremacy, as well as underdogs hoping to make history in this new era of the club world cup.


Teams & Qualification: Who Made the Cut?

A truly global showcase, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features 32 teams who have earned their place through outstanding performances in their respective continental competitions. Qualification was based on results in tournaments like the Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and AFC Champions League, ensuring that only the best clubs from each region made the cut.

This year’s lineup includes European powerhouses such as Chelsea, rising stars like FC Salzburg, and Asian champions Al Hilal, alongside top clubs from South America, North America, Africa, and Oceania. The group stage will see these teams drawn into eight groups, where they’ll battle for a spot in the knockout stage. The top two teams from each group will progress, while runners up will also have a shot at advancing, making every match a high-stakes affair.

With so much talent and ambition on display, the 2025 club world cup promises to deliver unforgettable football, fierce competition, and plenty of surprises as clubs from every corner of the globe chase the ultimate prize.

Introduction: What Makes the 2025 Edition Special?

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to redefine global club football with its bold new format and record-breaking prize money. For the first time ever, 32 elite teams from across the globe will compete, divided into eight groups, making this the most expansive and competitive club world cup to date. This new format promises more high-stakes matches, more drama, and more opportunities for clubs to make their mark on the world stage.

With a staggering $1 billion in total prize money up for grabs—and the winners set to take home up to $125 million—the stakes have never been higher. This massive financial incentive is drawing attention from clubs, players, and sponsors worldwide, turning the 2025 event into a true showcase of football’s global reach and business power. As the beautiful game continues to evolve, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup stands out as a must-watch event for fans, bettors, and anyone interested in the intersection of sport, money, and international prestige.


History & Tournament Format

The FIFA Club World Cup has come a long way since its inaugural edition in Brazil back in 2000. Over the years, the tournament has grown in both size and stature, bringing together the best clubs from every continent to compete for the ultimate prize in club football. The 2025 edition marks the biggest change yet, with the competition expanding to 32 teams and introducing a new group qualifying system.

Under the new format, the 32 clubs are split into eight groups of four. Each team plays three group matches, battling for a coveted spot in the knockout stage. Only the top two teams from each group will advance, making every point crucial in the race to the round of 16. From there, it’s a straight knockout: round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand final, where the world’s best club will be crowned.

This year’s tournament is hosted in the United States, with world-class stadiums providing the stage for unforgettable football moments. Fans can expect to see giants like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and River Plate fighting for supremacy, as well as underdogs hoping to make history in this new era of the club world cup.


Teams & Qualification: Who Made the Cut?

A truly global showcase, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features 32 teams who have earned their place through outstanding performances in their respective continental competitions. Qualification was based on results in tournaments like the Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and AFC Champions League, ensuring that only the best clubs from each region made the cut.

This year’s lineup includes European powerhouses such as Chelsea, Man City, Bayern Munich, PSG and Italian giants Juventus and Inter, as well as rising stars like FC Salzburg, and Asian champions Al Hilal, alongside top clubs from South America, North America, Africa, and Oceania.

The group stage saw these teams drawn into eight groups, where they battled for a spot in the knockout stage.

The winner and runner up from each group progress, with the other two teams eliminated.

With so much talent and ambition on display, the 2025 Club World Cup promises to deliver unforgettable football, fierce competition, and plenty of surprises as clubs from every corner of the globe chase the ultimate prize.

FIFA Club World Cup Review – Tournament Highlights So Far

From dramatic victories to unexpected upsets, the June group stage served up a feast of football. In such a competitive environment, winning each match was crucial for teams hoping to advance from June into July and the knockout stage.

Here are just a few standout moments to take into account:

  • Bayern Munich demolished Auckland City 10-0, the most emphatic win of the tournament to date.
  • Benfica put six past Auckland without reply, Man City did likewise to Al Ain.
  • Botafogo stunned PSG with a 1-0 win, shaking up Group B’s qualification outlook.
  • Flamengo handed Chelsea a 3-1 defeat, coming back from a 1-0 deficit, scoring two goals in three minutes and another late on against Enzo Maresca's team.
  • Auckland held River Plate to a 1-1 draw, earning their first-ever point in the tournament.
  • PSG hammered Atletico Madrid 4-0, a result which played a key role in eliminating the Spanish giants.
  • Porto and Al Ahly played out a pulsating 4-4 draw, one of the most entertaining matches so far, with both teams playing at their highest level to secure vital points.
  • Fluminense produced a fine second-half fightback at MetLife Stadium to come back from 2-1 down to beat Ulsan Hyundai 4-2 in Group F.

The tournament format ensures only the top two from each of the eight groups progress, making every match critical. Teams faced the challenge of playing through 44 group stage games, and despite 6 goalless draws, the group stage featured a massive 125 goals, showcasing attacking intent across the board.

No club won all three group games — although Manchester City and Juventus still have one final clash that could change that narrative.

Group Stage Surprises & Results

The new format has delivered unpredictability in spades. Just a few of the group-stage shocks:

  • Benfica edged out German champions Bayern Munich 1-0 in a defensive masterclass, taking an early lead and holding it to secure a crucial victory.
  • Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo and Palmeiras all advanced from the groups, with Flamengo maintaining a lead in their decisive match to ensure progression and marking a strong Brazilian presence.
  • River Plate and Atletico Madrid failed to make it through, despite being considered among the favourites.

Several teams have looked solid but not invincible — a trend that’s been reflected in the betting markets too.

Betting Insights: How the Odds Have Shifted

Bookmakers have been busy adjusting odds as the group phase progressed, reflecting the dynamic nature of sports betting on the FIFA Club World Cup.

Sports betting enthusiasts can enjoy a wide variety of options, including live in-play markets, bonuses, and streaming services, making the experience comprehensive and engaging. Here’s how the main outright odds moved at bet365:

When considering betting odds or features, bettors can use tools to control their bets, such as cashing out early or editing wagers, helping them manage their betting experience responsibly and stay within their desired limits.

Additionally, by taking advantage of different betting strategies and promotions like profit boosts or bet boosts, users can maximise their potential winnings and enhance their overall returns.

All odds shown were available on bet365's apps and website at the time of publication, but may have changed in the meantime.

Odds That Drifted:

  • Real Madrid: 4/1 → 11/2 – questions over consistency.
  • Chelsea: 11/1 → 25/1 – unconvincing form.
  • Borussia Dortmund: 25/1 → 33/1 – defensive frailties exposed.
  • River Plate: 40/1 → Eliminated.
  • Inter Milan: 14/1 → 20/1 – qualified, but unconvincing.

Odds That Shortened:

  • Paris Saint-Germain: 9/2 → 11/4 – Look strong despite Botafogo loss.
  • Manchester City: 11/2 → 9/2 – Strong contenders as always.
  • Bayern Munich: 6/1 → 5/1 – Huge win put them in the spotlight.
  • Flamengo: 33/1 → 20/1 – Strongest of the Brazilian challenge continues.

FIFA Club World Cup Sport Betting Activity & Top Fixtures

bet365 reported high engagement across group stage matches, with many fans using betting apps to conveniently place wagers and follow the live streaming action from anywhere.

These games attracted the most attention:

Most Bet-On Matches (Globally):

  • PSG v Botafogo (upset alert!)
  • Real Madrid v Al Hilal
  • PSV v Atletico Madrid
  • Real Madrid v Pacuca
  • Flamengo v Chelsea
  • Bayern Munich v Boca Juniors
  • Boca Juniors v Benfica
  • Chelsea v Los Angeles FC
  • Flamengo v Esperance
  • Fluminense v Borussia Dortmund

UK Betting Favourites:

The three most popular betting matches at the FIFA Club World Cup in the UK were:

  • Chelsea vs. LAFC
  • Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal Riyadh
  • PSG v Atletico Madrid

Expect activity to spike again as knockout fixtures roll out — especially with outright bets, goal markets, and bet builders coming into focus.


Knockout Stage: What’s Coming Up?

With the group phase almost complete, the Round of 16 is nearly set. Reaching the quarter-final and then the semi-final is a major milestone for any club, marking their progress as one of the top four teams in the tournament and across FIFA as a whole.

With the likes of Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, River Plate and FC Porto already eliminated, the race is on to see who will be the first winners of this new FIFA event.

Will it be either of Italy-based duo Juventus or Inter? Maybe Man City or Chelsea? Or will PSG wrap up another huge trophy? Or maybe it will be a surprise team from South America who comes out on top?

Teams are now focused on completing their journey to the final, aiming to advance through each knockout stage and secure their place in history.

Here’s what to look forward to:

Round of 16 Fixtures

  • June 28
  • Palmeiras vs. Botafogo (Philadelphia)
  • Benfica vs. Chelsea (Charlotte)
  • Palmeiras vs. Botafogo (Philadelphia)
  • Benfica vs. Chelsea (Charlotte)
  • June 29
  • PSG vs. Inter Miami (Atlanta)
  • Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich (Miami)
  • PSG vs. Inter Miami (Atlanta)
  • Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich (Miami)
  • June 30
  • Inter Milan vs. Fluminense (Charlotte)
  • Juventus or Man City vs. Real Madrid/FC Salzburg/Al Hilal (Orlando)
  • Inter Milan vs. Fluminense (Charlotte)
  • Juventus or Man City vs. Real Madrid/FC Salzburg/Al Hilal (Orlando)
  • July 1
  • Real Madrid/Salzburg/Al Hilal vs. Juventus or Man City (Miami)
  • Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey (Atlanta)
  • Real Madrid/Salzburg/Al Hilal vs. Juventus or Man City (Miami)
  • Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey (Atlanta)

Quarter-Finals (July 4–5)

  • Match 57: Winner of 53 vs. 54 (Orlando)
  • Match 58: Winner of 49 vs. 50 (Philadelphia)
  • Match 59: Winner of 51 vs. 52 (Atlanta)
  • Match 60: Winner of 55 vs. 56 (New York)

Semi-Finals (July 8–9 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)

  • Match 61: Winner of Match 57 vs. Winner of 58
  • Match 62: Winner of Match 59 vs. Winner of 60

Final – July 13, 2025

  • MetLife Stadium, New Jersey – 3 PM local time / 8 PM UK

Prize Money Overview

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is not just about glory — there’s serious money at stake. There is $1bn (around £774 million) to be won and it will be allocated to the teams as solidarity payments and also as prize money.

Stage

Prize

Last 16

£5.8 million

Semi-Finalists

+£16.2 million

Lowest-Ranked European Teams

£9.9 million

Oceania Participants

£2.6 million

Solidarity Payments

£200 million shared

Total prize pool: £774 million


New Trophy Design by Tiffany & Co.

Unveiled for the 2025 edition, the new FIFA Club World Cup trophy features:

  • 24-carat gold-plated design
  • Transforms from shield to multi-faced structure
  • Engraved in 13 languages + Braille
  • Includes world map & all 211 FIFA Member Associations

The design reflects the global unity and prestige of the tournament.


Live Streaming & Free Games via bet365 Sport

Want to watch every FIFA Club World Cup match live? Bet365 Sport is offering:

  • Live streaming of every match, including knockout stages
  • Available via website and app (account must be funded or have a bet placed in last 24 hours)
  • Tournament Predictor Game also available for free!
  • Free FIFA Club World Cup Fantasy Sports Games!

Stay in the action wherever you are — just click on the fixture and stream away!


New Customers only. Bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets when you join bet365. Sign up, deposit between £5 and £10 to your account and bet365 will give you five times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value settle. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. The bonus code BET247 can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. T&Cs, time limits & exclusions apply. Registration Required.


Featured Betting Promo: Sub On Play On

One of bet365’s most exciting football promotions, Sub On Play On, continues to shine during the Club World Cup. Since launching on March 11th:

  • Over 250,000 customers have used it
  • £18 million+ paid out

This promo keeps your player-based bets active, even if your chosen player is subbed off. It applies to:

  • First Goalscorer
  • Anytime Goalscorer
  • Player Assists

Especially valuable in hot conditions like the US summer, where early substitutions are expected. This makes the Sub On Play On offer particularly beneficial at the FIFA Club World Cup!


Summary: Why the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is Unmissable

With its brand-new format, increased prize money, unforgettable games and global stars, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is delivering on every front.

Whether you're watching live on bet365, tracking the knockout stages, or chasing big wins with outright bets, there's never been a better time to follow club football at the world level.


FIFA Club World Cup – FAQs

How do I watch FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches live?
Via bet365’s streaming service is one excellent option. You’ll need a funded account or have placed a bet in the past 24 hours. Other options include the DAZN streaming service with certain Club World Cup games also shown live on Channel 5.

What’s the total prize money for the Club World Cup?
£774 million, with £5.8m awarded at the last 16 stage, £16.2m for semi-finalists and other bonuses for participation.

What is bet365’s Sub On Play On?
It ensures that your goalscorer or assist bets remain valid even if your selected player is substituted. Particularly useful given the number of substitutes likely to be used in the Club World Cup in the hot American summer.

Which Club World Cup teams’ odds have shifted most?
PSG, Man City, Flamengo and Bayern Munich have all shortened. Real Madrid, Chelsea and Dortmund have seen odds drift. River Plate are out of the tournament.


Let the knockout drama begin — and may the best club lift that dazzling new Club World Cup trophy in New Jersey on July 13th!

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