Arab fans await… details on the 2025 Club World Cup draw



For the first time, 32 teams will participate in the tournament, after the decision of the International Football Federation (FIFA) to expand the number of participants instead of 7 clubs, including 5 Arab clubs: Al-Ahly from Egypt Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia, Esperance from Tunisia, Al-Ain from the Emirates and Widad Casablanca from Morocco.

FIFA announced on Tuesday the draw procedures for the 2025 Club World Cup and the classification of teams participating in the tournament, which will be held in the United States of America from June 15 to July 13, 2025.

FIFA said in a statement on its official website that the 32 participating clubs are divided into 4 tiers, each containing 8 teams, explaining that the first pot includes the top four ranked teams in the tournament. Europe In addition to the four best-ranked teams from South America, namely Manchester City of England, Real Madrid of Spain, Bayern Munich of Germany, Paris Saint-Germain of France, Flamengo of Brazil, Palmeiras of Brazil, River Plate of Argentina, and Fluminense from Brazil.

While the second pot consists of the remaining eight teams from Europe, namely: Chelsea England, Borussia Dortmund from Germany, Inter Milan from Italy, Porto from Portugal, Atletico Madrid from Spain, Benfica from Portugal, Juventus from Italy and Red Bull Salzburg from Austria.

The third pot includes the two top-ranked teams respectively from Asia, Africa, North and Central America and the Caribbean, along with the remaining two clubs from South America, namely Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Ulsan Hyundai of Korea, Al-Ahli from Egypt, Vidad Casablanca from Morocco, Monterrey from Mexico, Club Leon from Mexico, Boca Juniors from Argentina and Botafogo from Brazil.

The fourth pot includes the remaining two teams, respectively, from Asia Africa, North and Central America and the Caribbean, in addition to the representatives of Oceania and the team representing the host country, Inter Miami, in addition to Urawa Reds from Japan, Al Ain from the Emirates, Esperance from Tunisia, Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa, Pachuca in Mexico, Seattle Sounders in America and Auckland city in New Zealand.

FIFA has confirmed that the draw will avoid two teams from the same continental confederation falling into the same group, with the exception of clubs Europe Which is participating with 12 teams, which means there are 4 groups that will include two teams from Europe.

He also explained that there is another exception as Inter from Miami is placed directly in the fourth pot of the first group, where the first match will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium, while the other American team, Seattle Sounders, will be placed directly in the fourth pot of the second group .

FIFA decided to establish World Club Championship Under the new system, it is held every 4 years during the summer, instead of every year, since the champions of six continents in the last four years participate in the tournament, in addition to the best ranked clubs of each continental federation based on their results in the same period.

The tournament in the new format caused controversy, as it was supported by the Swiss Gianni InfantinoHowever, he faces two legal challenges in Europe, both related to the Professional Footballers’ Association (FIFPro).

The association’s concerns are mainly focused on the welfare of the players, as it is envisaged that players active in European leagues and competing in the World Cup will be given a very short time to rest and recover before the start of the 2025 / 2026 season.

A number of players have already expressed their displeasure that the Club World Cup is being held under this system, the midfielder warned. Manchester City England’s Rodri said a number of stars were “close” to considering strike action due to a packed fixture schedule, with club competitions affiliated to European Football Association (UEFA) now taking up more space.

Leagues in Europe fear the Club World Cup will have a negative impact on their competitions, with concerns over whether Manchester City and Chelsea can be at full strength and fitness when the season starts. English Premier League For the 2025/26 season on August 17.

The competition rules stipulate that the winner and runner-up from each of the eight groups in the first round will advance to the round of 16, which will be held according to the knockout system.

The rest of the rounds of the tournament will continue under this system until the final match, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13.





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