The group draw for the Fifa Club World Cup 2025 was a complex and lengthy affair. It was held across two separate Miami locations and lasted more than 90 minutes. A new Club World Cup trophy was also revealed during the ceremony. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami will take on Egyptian side Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium in the opening match. Paris St-Germain were drawn against Atletico Madrid in Group B, while Bayern Munich meet Benfica in another all-European group-stage match-up. The full group draw is as follows:
Palmeiras, a renowned Brazilian club, will be competing in this group. FC Porto, from Portugal, adds to the European presence. Al Ahly, the Egyptian giants, bring their footballing prowess, and Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi, will kick off the tournament in style. Each team will face the others once in the group phase, with the top two progressing to the knockout stage.
Paris St-Germain, a powerhouse in European football, will face Atletico Madrid, known for their defensive solidity. Botafogo, from Brazil, adds a touch of South American flair, and Seattle Sounders represent North America. The competition within this group is expected to be fierce.
Bayern Munich, a German footballing icon, will be looking to defend their title. Auckland City, from New Zealand, makes their mark on the global stage. Boca Juniors, from Argentina, bring their passionate fanbase and attacking style. Benfica, from Portugal, adds to the European competition. These teams will battle it out in Group C.
Flamengo, the Brazilian giants, will be a force to be reckoned with. Esperance Sportive de Tunisie represents Tunisia in this tournament. Chelsea, the 2021 final winners, will look to continue their success. Club Leon, from Mexico, adds to the diversity of the group. Each team will have their work cut out to secure a top-two finish.
River Plate, from Argentina, is a club with a rich history. Urawa Red Diamonds, from Japan, bring their unique style of football. Monterrey, from Mexico, is a force to be respected. Inter Milan, one of Italy's top clubs, will add to the European competition. This group is sure to provide some exciting football.
Fluminense, from Brazil, will be looking to make their mark. Borussia Dortmund, from Germany, is known for their attacking football. Ulsan, from South Korea, will showcase their skills. Mamelodi Sundowns, from South Africa, add to the African representation. These teams will battle it out in Group F.
Manchester City, the defending champions, will start their title defence against Morocco's Wydad. Al Ain, owned by the UAE president, will be a tough opponent. Juventus, from Italy, brings their footballing pedigree. This group is expected to be a closely contested affair.
Real Madrid, the record-breaking champions, will open up against Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal. Pachuca, from Mexico, and Salzburg, from Austria, add to the international flavour. Real Madrid will be aiming to add another trophy to their collection.
Inter Miami's controversial spot in the tournament has sparked some debate. A complex draw ceremony determined their place, and they will now take on Al Ahly in the opening match. Teams from each of the six international football confederations will be represented, with 12 European clubs making up the highest quota.
The matches will be played across 12 venues in the US, which will also host the 2026 World Cup. However, Fifa is facing legal action from player unions and leagues about the scheduling of the event. It begins two weeks after the Champions League final and ends five weeks before the first Premier League match. But football's world governing body believes the dates allow sufficient rest time.
Streaming platform DAZN has secured exclusive rights to broadcast the tournament, with 63 matches set to take place over 29 days. Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to the Fifa Club World Cup 2025 begins.