FIFA formalized the highly anticipated program for the 2025 Club World Cup on Saturday, revealing a prestigious inaugural shock for the Wydad Athletic Club of Casablanca. The Reds will face English giant Manchester City on Wednesday, June 18 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, launching their campaign in Group G.
This revolutionary tournament, which expands to 32 teams for its first expanded edition, will see Wydad play three decisive matches in the group stage:
Facing Juventus Turin (Italy) on Sunday, June 22, still in Philadelphia; Against Al Aïn FC (United Arab Emirates) on Thursday June 26 at Audi Field in Washington D.C., in a duel marked by the presence of Moroccan striker Sofiane Rahimi, former star of the local championship.
Innovations and highlights of the tournament
FIFA has anticipated the global kick-off to June 14: Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to 0-0 Al Ahly SC (Egypt) in the opening match and Bayern with a historic score 10-0 Aucland city of New Zealand. The competition will culminate with the final on July 13, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in New York/East Rutherford, promising a global spectacle.
New format and continental diversity
12 European clubs
6 South American representatives
4 African, Asian and North American teams
1 Oceanian club
The first two in each group (8 groups in total) will qualify for the knockout round of 16, intensifying the stakes from the first matches.
Access to tickets
Fans will be able to seize their chance from Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (Philadelphia local time, 4:00 p.m. GMT+1): exclusive ticket sales for the 48 group matches will take place via FIFA.com/tickets. A pre-registration platform is already accessible for supporters wishing to be alerted of sales.
AZ-EDDINE AALLABOUCH
