Ahead of Thursday's draw, GOAL breaks down on all 32 global teams participating in the 2025 Club World Cup
FIFA's revamped 2025 Club World Cup will be the most packed ever, with 32 different sides from around the world set to participate in the landmark tournament held in the United States next summer. Six football federations will be represented and some of the most recognizable brands – and players – in the sport.
And for all of the uncertainty over the competition, it will undoubtedly be an exciting event. There are too many big names, too many good teams. But it's not just the Real Madrids and Man Citys of the world who will show up in the U.S. Indeed, this is a global event, with teams from every major football federation set to appear.
That's what makes the Club World Cup most intriguing: seeing Japanese minnows line up against European powers. Sometimes, it's a beat down, others, it's the opportunity of a lifetime. Ahead of Thursday's draw, GOAL takes a brief look at every club set to play in next summer's tournament.
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Chelsea: Could Enzo Maresca claim his first trophy as Chelsea boss in America? The Blues are in with a shout domestically this year, and look revitalized under the former Leicester boss, with Cole Palmer establishing himself as arguably the Premier League's best attacking midfielder.
Real Madrid: Do Los Blancos ever get tired of winning? Probably not. And they have set themselves up for success again by signing Kylian Mbappe. It hasn't been the easiest of starts to the season, but Vinicius Jr and team are still La Liga favorites and can never be counted out in Europe.
Manchester City: The wheels may have fallen off a bit for Pep Guardiola this season. But they still have Erling Haaland, and Rodri should be back just in time for next summer's tournament. Five in a row? Probably not. But that's not the end of the world.
Bayern Munich: Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz. Need we say any more? Vincent Kompany has the Bavarians humming this season, and they could be a real threat to get back to winning ways in Europe, too.
PSG: It was always going to be a weird transition into the post Mbappe era. And so it has proved, with PSG running Ligue 1 but struggling in Europe. There's still plenty of attacking talent, as well as exciting midfielder Joao Neves, to consider the Parisians a threat.
Inter: The team that played Guardiola's treble winners even, Inter have retooled adequately this year, and will likely take off in Serie A in the coming months. Lautaro Martinez is in fine form once again, which will have opponents wary.
Porto: There's a team that will be happy to see Ruben Amorim leave for Man United. The Dragones disappointed with a third place finish in the Primeira Liga last year, but Samu Omorodion is banging in the goals up front, and they can give anyone a game.
Benfica: They may be aging, but Benfica are still full of quality. Angel Di Maria has rediscovered his younger self under Bruno Lage, while Nico Otamendi remains a rock at the back.
Borussia Dortmund: The German side will have a recognizable USMNT presence, with both Gio Reyna and Cole Campbell ready to star on home soil. The real appeal, though, might be youngster Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who has impressed immensely on the wing.
Juventus: In other American news, two sure-fire USMNT starters will appear for Thiago Motta's side. Weston McKennie and Tim Weah have impressed when given a chance by the new manager, with Weah finding his goalscoring touch. The Bianconeri have started the Champions League campaign well in their long awaited return to the competition, too.
Atletico Madrid: Diego Simeone has been given a new lease of life this season, with a refreshed squad competing in La Liga again. Julian Alvarez has been important, but ex-Chelsea man Conor Gallagher has been the real star, bossing it in center midfield for Los Rojiblancos.
Red Bull Salzburg: Salzburg made it here on a technicality, gaining a spot after Bayern knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League in 2024. Still, they won't care, with a squad full of young talent ready to impress.
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Seattle Sounders: One of two MLS sides in the competition, Seattle have plenty of experience in international football, winning the 2022 CONCACAF Champions Cup final. They have stayed competitive since then, and narrowly missed out on a spot in the MLS Cup final after conceding a heartbreaking late goal to LA Galaxy last weekend.
Monterrey: Los Rayados clinched their spot three years ago, winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2021. Since then, things haven't been quite as smooth, but they still have a threat in USMNT striker Brandon Vazquez up front.
Leon: The Mexican giants won the CONCACAF Champions League in 2023, dislodging LAFC in a tight final. Recent success has been elusive, but the Liga MX side have still shown their quality with some strong showings in Leagues Cup.
Pachuca: Pachuca thoroughly beat Columbus Crew in the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup this season, with Venezuelan legend Salomon Rondon bagging a brace in a 3-0 win. He will have to come up big again if Pachuca are to make some noise this summer.
Inter Miami: Was the whole getting-in-as-hosts thing a bit controversial? Sure. But Gianni Infantino was always going to find a way to ensure that Lionel Messi was playing in the Club World Cup. And he has his wish after the Herons won the Supporters' Shield. Miami may be flawed, but that Messi guy will always sell tickets.
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Palmeiras: They may keep getting gutted of youngsters – Estevao is soon to follow Endrick out of the door – but Palmeiras have succeeded in the Brazilian top flight. They won Serie A last season, and are second this year.
Fluminense: Marcelo's side won the 2023 Copa Libertadores in thrilling fashion, beating Boca Juniors in extra time to book their spot in the Club World Cup. Things haven't quite been so smooth this year, but with the likes of Andre, Felipe Melo and Jhon Arias in their ranks, they can always do some damage.
Flamengo: The most star-studded team in Brazil, Flamengo will hope that the likes of Alex Sandro, David Luiz, Gerson and Gabriel Barbosa can carry them to success. They won two cups last year, and are currently third in Serie A.
Botafogo: The Brazilian side are due enough credit for winning the Copa Libertadores final this season after going down to 10 men within 30 seconds. The Fogo have enjoyed a renaissance under new manager Artur Jorge, who led them to the league title last year, their third in club history.
River Plate: Would it be a continental tournament without River? The Argentine side have been a mainstay on the South American stage for years, and qualified based on their consistent performances domestically and on the global stage. They won the Primera Division last season, and have benefitted from the return of club legend Marcelo Gallardo at the helm.
Boca Juniors: As with their arch rivals River, it only feels appropriate to have Boca here. A 2023 Copa Libertadores run was enough for them to clinch a spot, and while they endured a rough season domestically last year, Edison Cavani has shown that he can still bang in goals.
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Al Ahly: Winners of three of the last four Champions Leagues, Al Ahly are in the most of one of their most successful eras in club history. Most recently, they completed a treble for a second straight campaign.
Wydad Casablanca: One of Morocco's most historic football clubs, Wydad won the most trophies of any team from the country in the 20th century. Their route to the Club World Cup came thanks to a 2022 CAF Champions League win. They are led by European journeyman M'Baye Niang, a Senegalese striker once compared to Mario Balotelli.
Esperance de Tunis: The most successful Tuiaisan football club in history, the Red and Yellow have won four CAF Champions Leagues and the Tunisian top flight a record 33 times. This season has been less successful, though, as Tunis are on their third head coach in as many months.
Mamelodi Sundowns: The South African side qualified for the tournament on the back of consistent CAF Champions League appearances. They have won 13 league titles this century, and are well positioned to make it 13 after winning svene of their first eight in league play.
