The global football landscape is set for a major event with the newly expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States from June 14 to July 13. This revamped tournament now features 32 teams, a significant increase from the previous seven, and boasts a staggering $1 billion prize pool, promising intense competition and showcasing a diverse array of footballing talent from around the world.

Qualification for this prestigious tournament has been revised, based on club performances over a four-year period (2021–2024) in each confederation’s elite competitions. UEFA, considered the strongest confederation, receives 12 spots, including recent Champions League winners like Chelsea (2021), Real Madrid (2022 and 2024), and Manchester City (2023), along with other top-ranked clubs. CONCACAF has four spots, filled by Champions League winners such as Monterrey (2021), Seattle Sounders (2022), and Pachuca (2024), with Los Angeles FC taking a spot initially intended for Club León due to multi-club ownership rule breaches. Other confederations like CONMEBOL (South America), AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), and OFC (Oceania) also have allocated spots, alongside a representative from the host nation.

Representing the host nation, the United States, is Inter Miami. The club's manager, Javier Mascherano, expressed his excitement, calling it a "dream" and a "huge privilege" for the club, the city of Miami, and the country to compete against teams with rich histories. Inter Miami, who qualified after winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, is one of three MLS sides in the tournament, alongside Seattle Sounders and LAFC, all aiming to make a significant impact.

Venue preparations are also a point of interest, particularly at MetLife Stadium, one of the host venues. FIFA regulations require real grass fields, leading to the installation of a natural grass surface. This development was noted by the NFL Players Association with the hashtag "#SaferFields," highlighting the ongoing debate regarding player safety on artificial turf, which is typically used by the NFL's Giants and Jets at the stadium. Giants owner John Mara has previously expressed concerns about the sustainability of grass for football throughout a long season with multiple events, noting that the type of grass used for soccer might not be suitable for American football, especially in colder months.

Chelsea FC enters the tournament having secured their spot by winning the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League. The London club ended their 2024-25 season on a high, finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the UEFA Europa Conference League, making them the first club to win all three major European continental competitions. Chelsea has previous Club World Cup experience, losing the 2012 final to Corinthians but winning the 2021 edition by defeating Palmeiras, with Kai Havertz scoring the decisive goal.

For the 2025 tournament, Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, has been drawn into Group D alongside Brazilian giants Flamengo, Tunisian champions Espérance de Tunis, and MLS side LAFC. This sets up interesting reunions, with former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud now at LAFC, and Jorginho, a key player in Chelsea's 2021 Champions League win, recently joining Flamengo. The tournament offers Chelsea a chance to build on their recent momentum and integrate new talents like striker Liam Delap, alongside key players Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández.

Spanish giants Real Madrid are also gearing up for the Club World Cup under their new coach, Xabi Alonso. Alonso has named a 34-player squad, which includes several players recovering from injuries such as Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal, new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and ten players from the club's B-team. Real Madrid is scheduled to open their tournament against Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami, followed by matches against Mexico's Pachuca and Austria's RB Salzburg.

Inter Miami, despite a somewhat underwhelming recent run of form prior to securing back-to-back wins before the tournament, carries high expectations. With a squad featuring former Barcelona legends Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, the pressure is on Mascherano's side to perform. Their Club World Cup campaign begins on Saturday, June 14, against Egyptian side Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium, with hopes of securing their first silverware under Mascherano and third overall in club history.

Flamengo's journey to the Club World Cup has been marked by off-field drama. As the Brazilian team departed for the United States, fans protested against midfielder Gerson, who is set to join Zenit of Russia. Supporters at the airport displayed fake R$ 3 notes with Gerson's face and labelled him a "mercenary." Gerson reportedly accepted Zenit's lucrative offer, with the Russian club expected to pay his €25 million release clause after Flamengo's participation in the Club World Cup concludes. The Russian transfer window opens on June 20.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises a thrilling spectacle of global football, bringing together established powerhouses and ambitious newcomers on American soil. With significant prize money, a new competitive structure, and a host of star players, the tournament is poised to capture the attention of football fans worldwide, offering potential classic matchups and memorable moments.