The FIFA Club World Cup used to be that weird little tournament tucked away in December that everyone sort of ignored unless their team was in it. Not anymore. FIFA has gone and blown the whole thing up. If you're trying to figure out how to watch Club World Cup action this time around, you're looking at a massive 32-team spectacle in the United States. It's basically a summer World Cup, but for clubs.
Gianni Infantino has been pushing this "bigger is better" agenda for years, and 2025 is where the rubber meets the road.
Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of. You’ve got Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich mixed in with teams like Auckland City and Al Ahly. The stakes are huge, mostly because the prize money is rumored to be astronomical, which is why the big European clubs haven't totally revolted yet.
Where the broadcast rights currently stand
Finding where to watch Club World Cup matches has been a bit of a saga. Usually, with a tournament this big, you'd expect a massive bidding war between the likes of ESPN, CBS, and NBC. But things have been surprisingly quiet on the traditional cable front.
Apple TV+ was rumored to be in the running for a global deal, similar to what they did with MLS Season Pass. That would have put every single game behind one specific subscription. However, FIFA has also been exploring regional deals to ensure maximum reach. In the US, keep an eye on FOX Sports and Telemundo, as they typically hold the keys to FIFA's major English and Spanish language broadcasts. If you’re a cord-cutter, FuboTV or Peacock are likely going to be your best friends for streaming the 2025 edition.
Streaming is king now.
Most fans are going to find games via the FIFA+ platform, especially in regions where a major broadcaster hasn't picked up the exclusive rights. It’s a bit of a gamble, but FIFA wants to own its data. They want you on their app.
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Breaking down the 32-team madness
The format is identical to the "old" World Cup. Eight groups of four. Top two go through. Then it's a straight knockout. Simple, right? But the sheer volume of games means you'll need a way to watch Club World Cup fixtures happening simultaneously across multiple time zones in the US.
Think about the travel. Teams will be flying from Seattle to Miami. It's a logistical nightmare for the players, but a dream for fans who want high-level soccer in the "off-season."
The European spots were filled based on Champions League performances over a four-year cycle. That’s why you see teams like Chelsea and Benfica in the mix despite their recent domestic struggles. They earned their seat at the table back in 2021 and 2022. It’s a reward for consistency, or perhaps just a way to ensure the most marketable brands are present in North America.
Why this tournament is actually different this time
In the past, the Club World Cup felt like a friendly. European teams would fly to Japan or the UAE, play two games, lift a trophy, and be home for Christmas. It was a chore.
Now? It’s a month-long residency.
If you want to watch Club World Cup matches and see actual intensity, this is the first time we’ll truly get it. Clubs are being offered upwards of $50 million just for showing up. That kind of money changes the "it’s just a friendly" narrative real quick. Plus, the prestige of being the first winner of the "new" era is a massive marketing tool for these owners.
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Don't sleep on the South American teams. Flamengo and Palmeiras aren't coming to participate; they’re coming to win. The gap between the top of Brazil and the middle of Europe is narrower than most people think.
The venues you need to know
The 2025 tournament is a dry run for the 2026 World Cup. We are talking about iconic stadiums:
- MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (the site of the final)
- Hard Rock Stadium in Miami
- Rose Bowl in Pasadena
- Lumen Field in Seattle
If you’re planning to watch Club World Cup games live, the East Coast bias is real. FIFA wants these games to kick off at times that work for European and African television markets. That means 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM starts in New York, which translates to prime time in London and Madrid.
The controversy nobody wants to talk about
Player fatigue is a massive issue. FIFPRO, the global players' union, is already making noise about lawsuits. You have guys playing 60+ games a year, and now FIFA adds a seven-game tournament in the middle of their only month off.
Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland have both been vocal about the schedule. When you watch Club World Cup broadcasts, you might notice some squads rotating heavily in the group stages. If the stars are benched, does the tournament lose its luster? It’s a valid concern. FIFA is betting that the "club vs. club" novelty will outweigh the tired legs.
Some fans hate it. They see it as a blatant cash grab. Others love it because, honestly, who doesn't want to see Al Hilal try to press Manchester City in a meaningful game?
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Specific tips for international viewers
If you are outside the US and trying to watch Club World Cup matches:
- UK Fans: TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) is the most likely home, though the BBC often snags "free-to-air" rights for the final.
- Australian Fans: Optus Sport has been the go-to for major international soccer lately.
- Canadian Fans: Fubo Canada and TSN usually split these duties.
How to stay updated on the schedule
Because this is the first time they’ve done 32 teams, the schedule is fluid. FIFA usually drops the specific kickoff times and TV assignments about three months before the opening match.
You should bookmark the official FIFA digital hub. It's usually clunky, but it's the only place with the "source of truth" for VAR decisions and official rosters.
Wait for the draw. Everything changes once the groups are set. If Inter Milan ends up in a group with an MLS side and a Japanese team, the TV interest in those specific regions will skyrocket, shifting the broadcast schedule.
Actionable steps for the 2025 tournament
Stop waiting for the last minute to figure out your setup. The landscape for sports streaming is fragmented and honestly kind of annoying right now.
- Audit your subscriptions: Check if you already have access to FOX or a major streaming service that carries sports. Don't sub to something new until the rights are finalized.
- Download the FIFA+ app: Even if they don't stream every game in your country, they will have the best extended highlights for free.
- Watch the "Intercontinental Cup": Don't confuse the new Club World Cup with the annual Intercontinental Cup. That's the smaller, yearly version for continental champions. The 32-team version happens every four years.
- Check your local time zones: If you're in Europe, get ready for some late nights. The US-based tournament means games will be running well past midnight for the CEST and GMT crowds.
- Follow the prize money news: It sounds boring, but the payout determines how hard the teams play. If the $50 million figure is confirmed, expect full-strength lineups.
The move to the United States is a clear signal. FIFA wants the American market. To watch Club World Cup games in 2025 is to witness the birth of a new era in club football—one that is bigger, wealthier, and significantly more exhausting for everyone involved. Get your snacks ready and your streaming logins sorted early. It’s going to be a long summer.