The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has expanded to a 32-team tournament running from June 14 to July 13 across 12 US cities. Featuring top clubs from every confederation, the competition kicks off shortly, and here are some of the key fixtures to look out for in the first round of what should be a thrilling tournament.
Fixture Previews
Al Ahly vs Inter Miami – June 14
The tournament opener at the 2025 Club World Cup is Al Ahly vs Inter Miami, with the game to be played at the Hard Rock Stadium. Inter Miami, the host nation representatives, will be keen to get off to a winning start against Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Inter Miami boasts stars like Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, but Al Ahly is the dominant force in the CAF region, and they know what it takes to win.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid – June 15
Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid should be one of the most competitive fixtures in the first round of games at the Club World Cup. PSG come into this one on the back of a treble-winning season, a campaign that saw them win their maiden Champions League trophy. Diego Simeone will have his Atletico side primed and ready to go in a match between an attacking side and a more defensive outfit.
Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC – June 16
Chelsea are another side taking on a native outfit in the form of Los Angeles FC. Chelsea enjoyed a fair season in the Premier League under manager Enzo Maresca and won the Europa Conference League. They’ll be looking to add more silverware to the trophy cabinet and will fancy their chances of getting off to a winning start in Chelsea vs Los Angeles FC.
Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund – June 17
Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund is an intriguing fixture for multiple reasons. The first is that the betting odds suggest this will be a competitive game, with Dortmund the favourites to win, as you’d expect. Also, many are tipping Dortmund to be the dark horse of the Club World Cup due to their excellent form. They’re also a side that has done consistently well in tournaments over the years against the odds.
Manchester City vs Wydad AC – June 18
Manchester City come into the 2025 Club World Cup as the defending champions. As you would expect, Manchester City vs Wydad AC is only tipped to go one way, and that’s in favour of Pep Guardiola’s side. City will be aiming to bounce back after an underwhelming 2024/25 season. They will also bring several new signings to the tournament.
Final Thoughts
As you would expect from a tournament like the new and improved Club World Cup, there are some real treats of fixtures to get stuck into in the opening days of the competition. Some games lean heavily in one direction, but in a tournament, anything can happen, especially at the end of what’s been another gruelling season for most. The likes of Real Madrid and PSG are favourites to be declared Club World Cup winners according to football betting online, but they won’t have it all their own way, with some excellent clubs involved.
