FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Madrid draws familiar foe Neymar Jnr.
The highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, marking the first edition of the tournament under its expanded 32-team format. The draw for the group stage, conducted today, has unveiled exciting matchups for football fans worldwide.
The revamped Club World Cup will feature 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. Each team will play three group-stage matches in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages. The tournament will culminate in a final on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The tournament will bring together clubs from all six football confederations, showcasing champions and top-performing teams from recent years. Europe leads with 12 representatives, followed by six from South America, and four from Asia, Africa, and North America. Oceania contributes one team, while the host nation adds another slot.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid to face off against old foe Neymar Junior at the 2025 Club World Cup
Carlo Ancelotti’s side, which has won the Club World Cup the most times in its history, will go up against Red Bull Salzburg, Al Hilal and Pachuca. On paper, it is a very favourable draw, although none of the three fixtures that Los Blancos will play are bound to be foregone conclusions.
The Al Hilal match will be especially keen for viewers, as it will see Real Madrid face off against Neymar Junior, whom they came up against on several occasions whilst he was at Barcelona. The 32-year-old is expected to leave the Saudi Arabian club at the end of the season, although he should be eligible to play in the Club World.
FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 FULL DRAW:
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
Group B: PSG, Atlético Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
Group C: Bayern, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
Group D: Flamengo, Chelsea, Espérance Sportive de Tunisie, Club León
Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, CF Monterrey, Inter Milan
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad AC, Al Ain, Juventus
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, FC Salzburg.
