Club world cup: Five Talking Points Ahead On FIFA's Billion Dollar Tournament.
The 2025 club world cup will begin on 14 June, as some of the world top teams compete in the FIFA's newest club competition.
FIFA hope the 32 teams will play the group stage and the knockout will help to give the tournament added prestige, with the addition of 1bilion prize for the winner.
And ahead of the first match on Sunday the independent has taken a look at five of the main storyline ahead of the first edition.
Current Ballon d'Or holder Rodri was out between late September and late May after suffering an ACL injury early into the 2024/25 season (Getty Images)
Perhaps the biggest issue surrounding the tournament is that of the workload that players are expected to bear.
Several notable players had to battle injuries last season, with Rodri suffering a season-ending injury when he picked up an ACL issue in September 2024.
And as some players pass 60 games played since August 2024, any long-term injuries suffered both at the tournament and in the weeks after will come under increased scrutiny amid concerns that players are simply playing too many games with too little rest.
With a recent study recommending a mandatory four-week rest period for players, the long-term future of the tournament could be in doubt before the first edition has even kicked off — though the prize money on offer could prove enough to make this tournament a regular fixture in the footballing calendar.
Plenty of eyes will be on Trent Alexander-Arnold as he makes his Real Madrid debut in the USA (Getty Images)
Though injuries will worry clubs, managers and fans, they will also get a look at new signings in one of the most intriguing sub-plots of the tournament.
The special mini-transfer window that closed on 10 June saw plenty of movement from clubs participating in the tournament, with Real Madrid notably paying Liverpool €10m to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold before the expiry of his contract.
The England international is one of two major defensive signings for Los Blancos, along with Dean Huijsen, and there will be plenty of eyes on the duo as they attempt to adapt to life at the world’s biggest club.
Manchester City were perhaps the most active club in that mini-window, with French prospect Rayan Cherki joining as a potential Kevin De Bruyne replacement, while his namesake Ait-Nouri has signed from Wolves in defence. In midfield, it is hoped that Tijjani Reijnders can complement Rodri as Pep Guardiola looks to return to the summit of European football.
Luis Enrique's PSG side will be the team to beat in the USA, with Ousmane Dembele hoping to add to his Ballon d'Or credentials in the States (Getty Images)
While new signings will get plenty of attention, it is a club with no new additions that will be among the most-watched in the States.
New European champions Paris-Saint-Germain will be one of the stories of the tournament if they can continue their recent form, with the French treble-winners among the favourites to lift the trophy in July.
The 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final was a turning point in the club’s history, but now Luis Enrique must make sure that the club compete for the biggest honours year after year, and the Spaniard clearly sees this tournament as one of them.
They will certainly be difficult to beat if they can replicate some of the scintillating performances from the 2024/25 season, with plenty of eyes on key men including Vitinha, Desire Doue and Ballon d’Or favourite Ousmane Dembele.
Xabi Alonso will take charge of Real Madrid for the first time since being appointed manager in late May. Despite Paris Saint-Germain's strong performances in the lead-up to the competition, Real Madrid remain the favorites to win, driven by club president Florentino Perez's determination to secure the title.
The upcoming chapter of this football saga will unfold in the USA, with Alonso bringing renewed optimism to the Bernabéu after his successful tenure at Bayer Leverkusen. The 43-year-old faces immediate challenges, including integrating new signings, implementing his preferred formation, and maximizing the potential of stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr.
However, there is also growing excitement. If Alonso can align all the pieces, Real Madrid could assemble a team capable of dominating European football, reminiscent of their golden era from 2016 to 2019.
Despite recent controversies, South American clubs have long viewed the Club World Cup as a prestigious and worthwhile tournament. With the event taking place mid-season, expectations are high for teams like Copa Libertadores holders Botafogo, as well as recent winners Fluminense, Palmeiras, and Flamengo. Traditional powerhouses Boca Juniors and River Plate also aim to make deep runs, motivated by both pride and the lucrative prize money.
However, the path won’t be easy. Boca Juniors face a tough group with Bayern Munich and Benfica, while Botafogo must contend with PSG and Atlético Madrid in Group B. Fans won’t have to wait long to see how South America’s elite measure up against Europe’s top clubs, but in a tournament historically perceived differently across continents, surprises could be in store.
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Great news