The 32 FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ hopefuls learned their group-stage opponents in a star-studded draw in Miami.
The glittering event teed up some truly titanic tussles and, here, we look at seven that are whetting the appetite of football fans ahead of next year’s historic global showpiece.
FC Bayern München-CA Boca Juniors
Group C
These heavyweights from Bavaria and Buenos Aires have history. They have even slugged it out for a world title once before, when Sammy Kuffour’s 109th-minute winner back in 2001 broke Boca hearts and crowned Bayern Intercontinental Cup champions.
Star attractions: This match will showcase two of the great No9s of recent decades, with Harry Kane in the red corner and Edinson Cavani in the blue. At the other end of the age spectrum, the electric Jamal Musiala will be out to boost his burgeoning reputation.
CR Flamengo-Chelsea FC
Group D
This clash pits one of the best-supported clubs in world football against the most expensively assembled squad in the beautiful game. Can Flamengo, roared on by their 50 million-strong supporter base, spring a shock against the London aristocrats and their all-star line-up?
Star attractions: With clinical natural finishers Cole Palmer and Pedro lining up on opposite sides, goals in this one should be all but guaranteed.
Manchester City-Juventus
Group G
Draw conductor Alessandro Del Piero didn’t look too thrilled at Juventus, his beloved former club, ending up in the same section as Pep Guardiola’s 2023 European champions. History, however, is on the Italians’ side, with Juve the victors in each of these sides’ two previous UEFA Champions League meetings.
Star attractions: Will Erling Haaland obliterate yet more records on the world stage? Or will another classic centre-forward, Dusan Vlahovic, steal the show for the team from Turin?
SE Palmeiras-Inter Miami
Group A
There is plenty to look forward to as a famous old name of Brazilian football meets one of the USA’s newest and most ambitious clubs. With Lionel Messi one of several Argentinians in the Inter Miami ranks, there is added spice to a match that is sure to captivate both North and South America.
Star attractions: Messi, now in the twilight of his incomparable career, going up against Estevao – the 17-year-old sensation Brazilians are hoping can scale similar heights – makes for one of the group stage’s most intriguing personal storylines.
PSG-Botafogo
Group B
The 32nd and final team to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup, Botafogo have been rewarded for their freshly secured Copa Libertadores title with two especially mouth-watering encounters. Paris Saint-Germain are one of a couple European giants lying in wait, and Marquinhos, the French side’s Brazilian captain, will be eager to thwart his countrymen’s ambitions.
Star attractions: Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola can light up any game, while Libertadores hero Luiz Henrique will be aiming to make more history for the South American champions.
Real Madrid CF-Al Hilal
Group G
The record 15-time European champions start as favourites in most matches, and this match against the 2021 AFC Champions League winners will be no exception. But Al Hilal boast more than a few stars of their own, including a certain Brazilian who has caused Madrid a headache or two in the past.
Star attractions: Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Co will make for a stellar support cast as two Brazilians, Vinicius Junior and former Barcelona hero Neymar, take centre stage.
CA River Plate-FC Internazionale Milano
Group E
What’s not to enjoy about two of the football’s great names – clubs with seven continental titles between them – meeting on the world stage? The victor in this vintage encounter will be heavy favourites to emerge from a section that includes hopefuls from four separate continents.
Star attractions: The Argentinians’ prospects are sure to rest in large part on how successful they are in subduing one of their own: Inter’s outstanding captain, Lautaro Martinez. At the other end, they will hope that a Colombian, Miguel Borja, can unlock the Nerazzurri defence.
