Club World Cup 2025 – Your Quick‑Start Guide

If you love football, the Club World Cup 2025 is the event you can’t miss. It brings together the champions from every continent, offers a few days of pure drama, and usually lands in a city with great vibes and stadiums. Below you’ll find everything you need to know – from when the matches kick off to how to catch every goal on your phone.

When and Where Does It Happen?

The tournament runs from December 9 to December 19, 2025. FIFA picked Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as the host city, using the King Fahd International Stadium for the final and the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium for the early rounds. Both venues have modern facilities, good transport links, and plenty of fan zones where you can grab a bite while you wait for the kickoff.

All match times are listed in GMT+3, so if you’re watching from Europe or the Americas, double‑check the conversion to avoid missing a minute of action.

Who’s Playing? The 7‑Team Line‑up

Unlike the World Cup for nations, the Club World Cup only features seven clubs. Here’s the quick rundown:

  • UEFA Champion: The winner of the 2024‑25 Champions League – most likely Manchester City, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.
  • CONMEBOL Champion: The 2025 Copa Libertadores winner – expect Boca Juniors, River Plate or Flamengo.
  • CONCACAF Champion: The 2025 Champions League winner – clubs like Club América or Monterrey are top candidates.
  • AFC Champion: 2025 AFC Champions League winners – Al‑Hilal or Urawa Red Diamonds are usual suspects.
  • CAF Champion: 2025 CAF Champions League winners – Al Ahly or Wydad Casablanca often take the slot.
  • OFC Champion: 2025 OFC Champions League winners – likely Auckland City or another New Zealand side.
  • Host Nation Spot: Saudi Arabia’s league champion (Al‑Hilal will probably fill this slot again).

Because only seven clubs compete, the format is simple: two opening‑day matches, a semi‑final round, then the final and a third‑place playoff. That means each team plays at most three games.

Key Players to Watch

Every edition brings a few big names, and 2025 is no different. Keep an eye on:

  • Erling Haaland: If Manchester City qualifies, his pace and finishing will be a headline.
  • Luka Modrić: The veteran midfielder could still pull the strings for a Croatian side in the Champions League.
  • Julián Álvarez: The Argentine forward is set to shine for River Plate if they make it.
  • Mohamed Salah: Should Al‑Hilal face Liverpool, his speed could tilt the balance.
  • Riyad Mahrez: A familiar face for Saudi fans, likely to feature for the host club.

How to Watch – Free & Paid Options

TV rights vary by region. In Africa, SuperSport usually streams the matches live. Europe gets the games on Paramount+ or local broadcasters like Sky Sports. In the U.S., Fox Sports holds the rights, and you can stream via the Fox Sports app. If you’re outside those zones, a VPN to a country with a free broadcast (often a local network) works well. Just make sure you have a reliable internet connection – the games are fast‑paced, and any lag can ruin the experience.

Tickets, Travel & Fan Tips

Tickets go on sale in August. Early‑bird prices start around $50 for group‑stage games and $150 for the final. Buying through the official FIFA portal guarantees a legit seat and a QR code for entry. If you’re traveling from abroad, book a flight to Riyadh early – the city’s King Khalid International Airport handles most international routes, and budget airlines often have decent deals in November.

When you’re in the stadium, bring a lightweight scarf for the chilly desert evenings and a reusable water bottle (refill stations are everywhere). Fan zones outside the stadium stream the matches on big screens, so you can soak up the atmosphere even if you don’t have a seat.

Why the Club World Cup Matters

Beyond bragging rights, the tournament is a chance for clubs from less‑publicized continents to test themselves against European giants. A surprise win can boost a club’s brand, attract sponsors, and even affect player transfers. For fans, it’s a short, high‑stakes spectacle that packs the excitement of a full‑season competition into a single weekend.

That’s the rundown. Mark your calendar, grab a ticket or set up your stream, and get ready for some world‑class football in Saudi Arabia. See you at the matches!

September 16, 2025

Al-Hilal’s Club World Cup exit: Brazilian core can’t stop Fluminense

Al-Hilal crashed out of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-1 quarterfinal loss to Brazil’s Fluminense on July 4. Talk of a fresh Brazilian reinforcement never turned into a confirmed signing. The Saudi side leaned on a Brazilian-heavy core—Marcos Leonardo, Malcom, Renan Lodi, and Kaio Cesar—but fell short. The exit raises fresh questions about strategy, depth, and timing.