If you follow club football, the FIFA Club World Cup is the event that brings together champions from every continent in one crazy week of matches. The 2025 edition lands in Saudi Arabia, and the buzz is already louder than a packed stadium on derby day.
Why should you care? Because it’s not just another trophy – it’s the chance to see teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Al‑Hilal and Flamengo clash after winning their regional leagues. For casual fans, it’s an easy way to catch world‑class football without juggling multiple league schedules.
The six continental champions are set, plus the host nation’s league winner and a spot for the defending champion if they qualify through their confederation. Here’s the lineup so far:
The draw will happen in early October. Expect a simple knockout format: quarter‑finals, semis and the final, with a play‑off for third place. That means every match matters – no room for slip‑ups.
Ticket sales open on 1 November 2024. Early‑bird prices start at $45 for group-stage games and go up to $120 for the final. If you’re planning to travel, book flights now – Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport sees a spike in traffic during the tournament.
Can’t make it in person? No problem. FIFA has partnered with Peacock (US), BBC iPlayer (UK) and local broadcasters across Asia and Africa. A single streaming pass costs roughly $15 per match, but a full‑tournament bundle is cheaper if you want every game.
Pro tip: set your device clock to the local time zone (Arabia Standard Time, UTC+3). Many fans miss kick‑offs because of the three‑hour shift.
If you’re on a budget, look for “fan zones” in major Saudi cities. They broadcast matches on big screens, serve free snacks and often hand out souvenir scarves. It’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere without splurging on stadium seats.
Finally, keep an eye on social media. Teams release last‑minute squad updates, injury news and even surprise line‑ups an hour before kickoff. Following official club accounts guarantees you won’t miss any drama.
Bottom line: the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is shaping up to be a football feast. Whether you’re booking a ticket, streaming at home, or watching in a fan zone, you’ve got plenty of options to catch the action. Mark your calendar, set those reminders, and get ready for some unforgettable nights on the pitch.