The club with owners from the United Arab Emirates will indeed face a club from the Emirates in the World Cup tournament, after opening with Moroccan opposition. The European heavyweight clash against Juventus will come in the last round.
Alexander Sørloth and his Atlético Madrid ended up in a group with Paris Saint-Germain, brazilian Botafogo, and the American home team Seattle Sounders.
Julian Ryerson and his Borussia Dortmund will face Brazilian Fluminense in their first World Cup match,followed by South Korean Ulsan and South African Mamelodi Sundowns.
The full draw
Group A
Palmeiras (Brazil), porto (Portugal), Al Ahly (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA).
Group B
paris Saint-Germain (France), Atlético Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), Seattle Sounders (USA).
Group C
Bayern munich (Germany), Auckland City (New Zealand), Boca Juniors (Argentina), Benfica (Portugal).
Group D
Flamengo (Brazil), Espérance (Tunisia), Chelsea (England), León (Mexico).
Group E
River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Reds (Japan), Monterrey (Mexico), Inter (Italy).
Group F
Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan (South Korea), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa).
Group G
manchester City (England), Wydad (Morocco), Al Ain (United Arab Emirates), Juventus (Italy).
Group H
Real Madrid (Spain), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), Salzburg (Austria)
The top two in each group will advance to the round of 16.
The tournament will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in 12 venues across 11 cities in the USA (two venues in Orlando). Five of the venues will also be used during the national team World Cup in 2026. The opening match will be played in Miami Gardens, with the final in East Rutherford just outside New York.
What impact will teh Club World Cup have on the visibility of football outside Europe?
Interview: The Future of Football and the Club World Cup
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to our special segment, where we dive deep into the world of football! Today, we’re excited to have with us Dr. Anna Selwood, a sports management expert with a keen interest in international football tournaments. Anna, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Anna Selwood: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s kick things off with the proclamation that Manchester City, led by the phenomenal Erling Braut Haaland, will participate in next summerS Club World Cup in the USA. What’s your take on the meaning of this tournament for clubs like Manchester City?
Dr. Selwood: The Club World Cup is gaining more traction and visibility in recent years. For a club like Manchester City, which has consistently been at the top of European football, this tournament represents an opportunity not only for silverware but also for global recognition. Competing against top clubs from different continents enhances their brand and showcases their talent to a worldwide audience.
Editor: Absolutely! City will be up against teams like Wydad, Al Ain, and Juventus in the group stage. What unique challenges do you think this presents, especially considering the diversity of the teams they’re facing?
Dr. Selwood: Each of those teams brings something different to the pitch. Wydad, as a notable example, comes from a league with its own technical and tactical nuances, while Juventus has a storied tradition in European football.Al Ain, representing the UAE, will have the advantage of local familiarity. Adapting to the styles and strengths of such diverse opponents will definitely challenge City’s tactical flexibility, demanding the best from their coaching staff.
Editor: that’s a great point about adaptability. With the increasing globalization of football, do you believe tournaments like the Club World Cup are essential for the development of clubs outside of Europe?
Dr. Selwood: They absolutely are.This tournament allows clubs from different regions to compete on a global stage, which can be tremendously beneficial for their growth. It gives less dominant leagues a chance to showcase their talent and gain experience against some of the best clubs in the world—this exposure is invaluable for their players and for overall league development.
Editor: Speaking of exposure, how do you see Erling Haaland’s participation impacting the spotlight on this tournament?
Dr. Selwood: Haaland is one of the brightest stars in football right now, and his involvement will certainly elevate the profile of the Club World Cup. Fans around the globe tune in to watch superstars, and having someone like him leads to increased viewership and interest in the tournament overall. He can also inspire a younger generation, especially those in regions with developing football cultures.
Editor: Very insightful. Lastly, Anna, what are your predictions for next summer’s tournament in terms of both performance and impact on the teams involved?
Dr. Selwood: I believe we can expect Manchester City to perform strongly given their current form and squad depth. However, the beauty of football lies in its unpredictability. We could see surprises from smaller clubs who are keen to prove themselves. As for the broader impact, I think this tournament will continue to strengthen international football ties and expand the passionate fanbase of clubs across different regions.
Editor: Thank you,Dr.Anna Selwood, for your thoughtful analysis of the upcoming Club World Cup and its implications for global football. It’s been a pleasure talking with you!
Dr. Selwood: Thank you! I look forward to seeing how the tournament unfolds.
Editor: And to our readers, stay tuned as we continue to follow this exciting journey leading up to next summer’s Club World Cup!
