Real Madrid, the reigning European champions, will face Salzburg, Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia and Pachuca in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament, which will see 32 teams participate, will take place from 15 June to July 13, 2025. Atlético Madrid will take on Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo and the Seattle Sounders, with Atlético benefiting from their impressive ranking over the last four years, snatching a place at Barcelona, the most notable absence in a tournament which, like the World Cup, will be held every four years. The first edition will take place in the United States, with Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi, as a special guest together with Football’s elite.
Fate favored Real Madrid in the group stage draw, held in Miami on Thursday. The most decorated club in the world, with five titles in the former Club World Cup format, drew the easiest opponent from the second pot of seeded teams: Salzburg. Their European opponent will not be Chelsea, Juventus or Borussia Dortmund, but Salzburg, while from the third vase they will face Al-Hilal.
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On the other hand, Atlético Madrid has not had the same success. Their continental opponent is none other than Paris Saint-Germain, although Atlético recently overcame Luis Enrique’s team in the Champions League at the Parc des Princes. They will also face Botafogo, the recent Copa Libertadores champions and current Brazilian league leaders—a tough challenge for Diego Simeone’s team, even though PSG is currently struggling. This World Cup marks the beginning of a “new era” in football, as recognized by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, positioning top-seeded Real Madrid as strong favorites for the first elimination round. On the contrary, Atlético will have to fight to continue their participation against PSG and Botafogo. The group stage will end with a match between the Madrid club and the Brazilian team, while Real Madrid will close their group with a match against Salzburg, after debuting against Al-Hilal, who currently field Neymar, although the ex-Barcelona star may not be part of the Saudi giants by then. Carlo Ancelotti’s team will also meet Mexican club Pachuca in their second match.
– Gruppo A: Palmeiras (BRA), Porto (POR), Al-Ahly (ONE) and Inter Miami (USA).
– Group B: PSG (FRA), Atlético, Botafogo (BRA) and Seattle Sounders (USA).
– Group C: Bayern Monaco (GER), Auckland (NZL), Boca Juniors (ARG) and Benfica (POR).
– Group D: Flamengo (BRA), Espérance (TUN), Chelsea (ENG) and Club León (MEX).
– Gruppo E: River Plate (ARG), Urawa Red Diamonds (JAP), Monterrey (MEX) e Inter Milan (ITA).
– Group F: Fluminense (BRA), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Ulsan (KOR) and Mamelodi Sundowns (SUD).
– Group G: Manchester City (ENG), Wydad (MAR), Al-Ain (UAE) and Juventus (ITA).
– Group H: REAL MADRID, Al-Hilal (KSA), Pachuca (MEX) and Salzburg (AUT).
