FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule
Real Madrid were drawn against Al Hilal, CF Pachuca and FC Salzburg while Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was placed in the same group with FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw on Thursday. Here are all the details.
Set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, the restructured global club football competition will bring together 32 teams from across the world to vie for the title of world champions.
The draw, held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Miami, showcased an impressive lineup of continental and domestic champions from every corner of the globe.
Among the standout contenders are Spain's Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League winners, Brazil's Botafogo, the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores champions, and Egypt's Al Ahly, who are consecutive CAF Champions League winners.
New Format
New FIFA Club World Cup Trophy. Image | FIFA
Traditionally featuring six to eight teams, the FIFA Club World Cup will now adopt a new format, hosting the largest number of participants in its history. Teams earned qualification by winning their respective continental club tournaments, such as the UEFA Champions League, and based on the confederations' four-year rankings.
South America (CONMEBOL) includes six teams, whereas Europe (whose confederation is UEFA) has twelve, making up the largest representation of the 32 teams.
There are four teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), Africa (AFC), and Asia (AFC).
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was given a spot, as the domestic champions of the host country, Oceania (OFC) got one spot as well. The top two from each of the 8 groups will advance to the knockout stages after a round-robin group stage.
The final will take place at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on 13 July.
In Paul Pogba news, we see the Juventus midfielder has been provisionally suspended for an anti-doping offence as per Italy's national anti-doping tribunal after failing the doping test, post Juventus's 3-0 victory over Udinese on 20 August.
As said earlier, the doping test was performed after Juve's victory against Udinese, and it detected elevated levels of testosterone, a hormone that increases players' endurance.
The anti-doping agency, Nado Italia, informed that Pogba was suspended provisionally with immediate effect. He's going to be at a trial and testing of a backup "B" sample; he would risk a suspension of up to four years.
Juventus released an official statement acknowledging the failed result of the test and said they were considering their next steps.
Pogba's time at Juventus has been affected by a lot of injuries. He hardly played for the club, let alone giving any significant performance, and now it's on the verge of getting worse for the Frenchman.
Pogba since joining Juventus
He was ruled out of France's 2022 World Cup squad due to a knee injury and has managed to make only six Serie A matches for Juventus last season.
Another Paul Pogba News would be, Pogba has yet to start a game this season but has made two substitute appearances, last playing in the 2-0 win at Empoli.
There has also been a police investigation ongoing in France into allegations that Pogba was targeted by extortionists, including by his older brother, Mathias, who has denied any wrongdoing.
It's also going to be a huge blow to an already heavily affected Juventus side in terms of not getting European Football this season. The previous season was followed by inquiries into false accounting and irregular reporting of salary payments, which ultimately resulted in a points deduction.
Pogba's Juventus spell
June 1 2022 - Manchester United announce Pogba will leave Old Trafford for the second time upon the expiration of his contract.
July 2022 - Reports alleged blackmail plot to Turin prosecutors, which he claimed amounted to a bid to extort £11.1m from him
July 11 2022 - Joins Juventus for the second time, signing a four-year contract in Turin.
July 26 2022 - Suffers injury to meniscus that keeps him out for two months.
November 2022 - Surgery to knee injury rules midfielder out of France's World Cup campaign in Qatar.
February 28 2023 - Finally makes his second debut for Juve in a 4-2 win against Torino.
March 9 2023 - Dropped for Europa League match against Freiburg by Massimiliano Allegri after arriving late to a team dinner.
March 13 2023 - Suffers muscle injury in training; doesn't play again for a month.
May 14 2023 - Handed first league start against Cremonese, but lasts just 23 minutes due to injury. Left thigh lesion later discovered, which ends his season.
August 27 2023 - Makes first appearance of the season as second half substitute in 1-1 draw against Bologna.
September 11 2023 - Provisionally suspended from football for anti-doping offence.
FIFA Club World Cup: Past Winners, Top Scores, Most Successful teams
From champions to individual dominance, get the ultimate guide to the FIFA Club World Cup's history. Dive into a complete list of past winners, top scorers, most successful teams in this prestigious global tournament.
What does it truly mean to be a world champion club? The FIFA Club World Cup provides the answer, pitting the best against one another in a quest for global dominance.
As the 21st edition of Club World Cup is ongoing, with highly competitive and strong clubs fighting for the ultimate glory, it is time to look back at the history of this tournament.
This article will explore all the past winners, top scorers, most successful teams, all at once.
FIFA Club World Cup: Past Winners
Manchester City FC celebrating their 2023 FIFA CWC win. Image | AP News
The FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament designed to crown the world's best club team, first took place in 2000. It then paused for several years, from 2001 through 2004, before returning as an annual event.
Now, 2025 marks the beginning of an entirely new era for the Club World Cup, featuring an expanded format and a fresh vision for global club football.
Check out the past winners list below:
Year
Host
Winner
Score
Runners-up
2000
Brazil
Corinthians
0-0
(4-3 p)
Vasco da Gama
2005
Japan
Sao Paulo
1-0
Liverpool
2006
Japan
Internacional
1-0
Barcelona
2007
Japan
AC Milan
4-2
Boca Juniors
2008
Japan
Manchester United
1-0
LDU Quito
2009
United Arab Emirates
Barcelona
2-1
Estudiantes
2010
United Arab Emirates
Inter Milan
3-0
TP Mazembe
2011
Japan
Barcelona
4-0
Santos
2012
Japan
Corinthians
1-0
Chelsea
2013
Morocco
Bayern Munich
2-0
Raja CA
2014
Morocco
Real Madrid
2-0
San Lorenzo
2015
Japan
Barcelona
3-0
River Plate
2016
Japan
Real Madrid
4-2
Kashima Antlers
2017
United Arab Emirates
Real Madrid
1-0
Gremio
2018
United Arab Emirates
Real Madrid
4-1
Al-Ain
2019
Qatar
Liverpool
1-0
Flamengo
2020
Qatar
Bayern Munich
1-0
UANL
2021
United Arab Emirates
Chelsea
2-1
Palmeiras
2022
Morocco
Real Madrid
5-3
Al-Hilal
2023
Saudi Arabia
Manchester City
4-0
Fluminense
FIFA Club World Cup: Top Scorers
Cristiano Ronaldo with FIFA CWC Golden Boot in 2016. Image | Eurosport
Here comes the elite list where individual dominance shines:
Player
Position
Teams
Seasons
Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo
Centre-Forward
Manchester United, Real Madrid
4
7
Karim Benzema
Centre-Forward
Real Madrid, Al-Ittihad
6
6
Gareth Bale
Right Winger
Real Madrid
3
6
Cesar Delgado
Right Winger
CF Monterrey
3
5
Lionel Messi
Right Winger
Barcelona
4
5
Luis Suarez
Centre-Forward
Barcelona
2
5
FIFA Club World Cup: Most Successful Teams
Real Madrid celebrating their 5th CWC win in 2022. Image | ESPN India
Real Madrid holds the tag of most successful team in FIFA Club World Cup history with 5 titles. Check out the other clubs that follow:
From South Africa's 27-year ICC wait to RCB's IPL triumph after 18 years, this year saw some decades-long trophy droughts coming to an end, which raises a question: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Find out why.
Every now and then, a year comes along that changes sports history. Imagine waiting years, even decades, for your favourite team to win. For fans across the globe, 2025 has turned that dream into reality.
This year has been special, marked by some of the longest trophy droughts in sports finally coming to an end. Teams like South Africa in cricket and Bologna in football have broken long-standing curses, proving that anything is possible.
Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Join us as we explore why 2025 is a year sports fans won't soon forget, and is also termed as "Year of the underdogs."
1. South Africa won an ICC Trophy after 27 years/ 9,862 days
South Africa celebrates their WTC 2023-25 Final victory against Australia. Image | Mint
For nearly three decades, the "chokers" tag clung to the Proteas like an unwanted shadow. Time and again, they reached close to the glory, only to falter at crucial moments. But 2025 changed everything, as they lifted ICC WTC Trophy defeating a strong Australian side in the Final.
South Africa showcased a cricketing masterclass with extraordinary team efforts in a high-stakes final match. From Aiden Markram's century to Temba Bavuma's batting class, they gave it all to earn the standing ovation from the crowd as they walked with pride after the win.
This victory, as Mark Boucher previously said, indeed is the turnaround they needed to inspire future generations and earn global respect as champions that they truly deserve.
They made the world chant "It's time for Africa" with their performance.
2. RCB won their first ever IPL trophy after 18 years/ 6,570 days
RCB lifting the IPL 2025 title after defeating PBKS in the final. Image | NDTV
For 18 painfully long years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their passionate fans endured a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak in IPL. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB delivered exceptional, balanced performance this season, finally breaking free of their curse.
The image of Virat Kohli lifting the IPL trophy, the last major piece missing from his glittering cabinet, was one of the most iconic sportingmoments of this year. It not only signified the team's victory, but also the ultimate reward for loyalty and career-long excellence.
The overall team contribution and management are the key factors that led them to secure their place as champions, shutting all the haters down.
3. Go Ahead Eagles won the KNVB Cup after 93 years/ 33,968 days
Go Ahead Eagles celebrating their KNVB Cup win after 93 years. Image | Instagram
Go Ahead Eagles soared to their first major trophy in 93 years, winning the KNVB Cup in 2025. For generations of fans in Deventer, this was a moment they might have only dreamed of. The emotions outpouring after the victory were sensational.
Their journey in the tournament was an underdog saga, defeating AZ Alkmaar, where they equalised the final match in the 99th minute to take it to penalties, and ultimately winning it from there!
4. Bologna won the Italian Cup after 51 years/ 18,619 days
Bologna lifting the Italian Cup after 51 years in 2025. Image | SportsDesk
Bologna's victory in the Italian Cupafter 51 years was a testament to patience and a perfectly executed season. Their triumph in 2025, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final, was a moment they manifested for years.
Key contributions from players like Don Ndoye, who scored the decisive goal despite returning from injury, and the tactical decisions of the coach, Vincenzo Italiano, brought joy to a city that waited for so long.
5. Crystal Palace won the first ever major trophy (FA Cup) after 119 years/ 43,714 days
Crystal Palace lifting the FA Cup after victory over Man City in 2025. Image | Sky News
Perhaps the most astonishing drought-breaker of 2025 belonged to Crystal Palace. After 119 years, the Eagles finally lifted their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup.
The single decisive goal from Eberechi Eze and crucial saves from goalkeeper Dean Henderson shaped their 1-0 victory over Manchester City FC. This victory proved that even after more than a century, a club's biggest dream can still become reality!
6. Newcastle United won the League Cup after a long wait of 55 years/ 20,367 days
Newcastle United lifting the League Cup in 2025. Image | Instagram
For the passionate supporters of Newcastle United, 2025 brought an end to a 55-year wait for a major domestic trophy as they won the English Football League Cup.
The sight of the Magpies defeating the 10-time champions Liverpool (1-2) was a powerful moment that reinforced belief in their new era. Goals from local hero Dan Burn and Alexander Isak brought the victory home for them.
7. Harry Kane won his first-ever major trophy (Bundesliga) after 32 years/ 11,676 days
Harry Kane celebrating the Bundesliga win in 2025. Image | Instagram
For years, England's most prolific striker, Harry Kane, was burdened by an unfortunate tag: "trophy virgin." Despite his goal-scoring records and individual brilliance, a major team trophy has always slipped away from him.
But 2025 finally saw the narrative shattered as Kane immediately made his mark after joining Bayern Munich, leading them to their 33rd Bundesliga title. He was also the top scorer of the 2024-25 season, having scored 26 goals and 8 assists.
This victory felt like a personal one, putting a line to complete the picture in his football career.
Buzzing to be Bundesliga top goalscorer for the second year in a row and this one’s even more special as it goes alongside the Bundesliga title! Couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my teammates! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WnvIvCf28S
8. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League after 17 years/ 6,296 days
Tottenham lifting the UEFA Europa League title after 17 years in 2025. Image | Sky News
2025 finally broke Tottenham Hotspur's 17-year trophy drought, as they won the UEFA Europa League. This was a monumental win, bringing the title back to North London.
The tense final against Manchester United saw a crucial goal from Brennan Johnson secure the 1-0 victory. However, the most iconic image was Son Heung-min, the club's long-serving captain, finally lifting a major trophy.
After a decade of dedication and numerous near misses, Son's emotional moment, draped in the Korean flag, was the highlight of his commitment and love for football.
RCB moves Karnataka HC seeking to quash stampede case
RCB moves Karnataka HC seeking to quash stampede case following the fatal incident during their IPL victory celebration at Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. Get full updates here.
On June 4, 2025, what was meant to be a joyous celebration of Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) IPL victory turned into a horrific tragedy outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A stampede occurred amidst massive crowds attempting to gain entry for the victory festivities, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and leaving numerous others injured.
The incident prompted immediate outrage and questions regarding crowd management, event planning, and accountability. Police subsequently filed an FIR against RCB, the event management firm DNA Entertainment Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), alleging various offenses including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and criminal negligence. Several individuals, including RCB's marketing head, were arrested in connection with the case.
Legal Challenges and Court Observations
In response to the criminal case, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the entity managing RCB, along with DNA Entertainment Networks and some of their officials, have approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash the FIRs. Their petitions contend that they have been falsely implicated and that the incident was not a result of their direct actions.
The petitions are being heard by Justice SR Krishna Kumar. During recent hearings, Justice Kumar has made observations, noting that it is "premature" to definitively conclude that RCB's social media posts inviting the public were the sole or primary trigger for the stampede.
The court has also urged the State not to make further arrests of RCB or DNA officials until the next hearing, signifying a cautious approach to the ongoing legal proceedings.
The State, however, has argued that RCB's invitations led to an uncontrolled gathering, far exceeding the stadium's capacity, contributing to the chaos. The investigation is ongoing, with a Special Investigation Team formed to probe the circumstances.
Every single trophy Cristiano Ronaldo has won in his career
Cristiano Ronaldo, till now, has won 36 major trophies in his career, among which two came for Portugal and the rest for his clubs. Today, in this article, we will discuss every single trophy Cristiano Ronaldo has won in his career.
Ronaldo, till now, has won 17 different trophies in his career, and among them, two are with his country, Portugal. Today, in this article, we will discuss every single trophy Cristiano Ronaldo has won in his career.
Ronaldo got the taste of winning a trophy with Portugal on only three occasions so far. In the historic and emotional 2016 European Championship, he was able to lift the trophy, despite being sidelined for the most amount of time due to a knee injury in the final.
Éder's lone goal helped Portugal lift the EURO 2016 and Ronaldo lift his first international trophy with Portugal.
Ronaldo's second international trophy came three years after that European success. In the UEFA Nations League 2019 final, Goncalo Guedes scored the lone goal for Portugal against the Netherlands to lift the inaugural Nations League title.
Ronaldo then became the oldest player to score in a Nations League final as Portugal won their second UEFA Nations League in 2025, becoming the first team to do so. They defeated Spain in the penalties to win the title.
International Trophy
Year
European Championship
2016
UEFA Nations League
2019, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo's club trophies
Ronaldo with the UCL trophy in 2008.
One of the most successful players ever, Cristiano Ronaldo, won trophies across three major European Leagues. He won his first-ever trophy in 2003, with Sporting CP, by lifting the Portuguese Super Cup.
His winning momentum then reached a great high at Manchester United as he went on to win 3 Premier League titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title, 2 English League Cups, 1 English Super Cup, the FA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup for the Red Devils.
Crisitano Ronaldo after winning his fifth UCL trophy of his career.
But, Ronaldo's success reached its peak when he joined Real Madrid for then a record fee of €94 million. With Real Madrid, Ronaldo won another four Champions League titles, which made him one of the most successful players in the tournament's history.
Not only that, he also went on to win 2 La Liga titles, 3 FIFA Club World Cups, 2 UEFA Super Cups and two Spanish Cups and Spanish Super Cups.
However, Ronaldo did not stop there as he went on to conquer Italy with Juventus. With Juventus, Ronaldo won 2 Serie A titles, 2 Italian Super Cups and one Italian Cup.
In all, Ronaldo till now has won 33 club trophies in his career. His last club trophy came with Al-Nassr when he won the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.