The 32 teams participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup now know their group-stage rivals following the draw. The tournament, featuring a new format, highlights competitive groups like Group B, dubbed the “Group of Death,” and powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich.
The champions of football across five continents are set for battle. The draw, held in Miami, determined the opponents for each team in the first phase of the expanded tournament, which will be hosted in the United States. The 32 teams are divided into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
Group A
This group promises a tightly contested phase as Palmeiras (2021 Copa Libertadores champions), Porto (UEFA ranking qualifier), Al-Ahly (CAF Champions League three-time winners), and Inter Miami (host nation’s invitee) face off. The competition for the top two spots will be intense.
Group B
Considered the “Group of Death,” PSG and Atlético Madrid (both UEFA ranking qualifiers) lead this challenging quartet. Joining them are Botafogo (2024 Copa Libertadores champions), aiming to prove their strength, and Seattle Sounders (2022 Concacaf champions).
Group C
Led by Bayern Munich (UEFA ranking qualifier), this group includes Boca Juniors (ranking qualifier from South America) and Benfica, who will likely compete for the second qualification spot. Auckland City, representing Oceania as the OFC’s lone participant, completes the group.
Group D
Flamengo (2022 Copa Libertadores champions) headlines this group, followed by Espérance de Tunis (CAF ranking qualifier). However, the team to beat is Chelsea, champions of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League. Club León, representing Concacaf, will aim to upset the favorites.
Group E
A fascinating group sees River Plate (ranking qualifier) as one of the favorites to advance. Urawa Red Diamonds (2022 AFC Champions League champions) appear to be the underdogs. Monterrey (2021 Concacaf Champions Cup winners) will fight for a top spot alongside Inter Milan, currently among Europe’s elite and 2022/23 UEFA Champions League runners-up.
Group F
Borussia Dortmund, UEFA ranking qualifier and 2023/24 Champions League runners-up, are the clear favorites here. Fluminense (2023 Copa Libertadores champions) will also contend, alongside Ulsan Hyundai (AFC ranking qualifier) and Mamelodi Sundowns (CAF ranking qualifier).
Group G
Manchester City, 2022/23 UEFA Champions League winners, are expected to dominate this group. Joining them are Wydad (2021/22 CAF Champions League champions), Al-Ain (2023 AFC Champions League winners), and Juventus, UEFA ranking qualifier and strong contenders for the second spot.
Group H
The reigning UEFA Champions League champions, Real Madrid, are the clear favorites in this group. Competing for the second qualifying spot are Al-Hilal (2021 AFC Champions League champions), Pachuca (2024 Concacaf champions), and Red Bull Salzburg (UEFA ranking qualifier).
This tournament, with its revamped format and global representation, promises intense competition as clubs vie for glory.
Images: X (@fifaworldcup_es)
