If you’re sitting there wondering when is the 2025 world cup, I’ve got some good news and some news that might make you scratch your head. Honestly, it depends on which "World Cup" you’re actually looking for.
Most people hear that phrase and immediately think of the massive FIFA tournament that stops the planet every four years. But here’s the thing: that one—the men’s FIFA World Cup with 48 teams—isn't until 2026. If you show up at a stadium this summer expecting Mbappe or Messi to be lifting the gold trophy for their country, you’re going to be very, very lonely.
However, 2025 is actually a massive year for sports. We have a brand-new, somewhat controversial FIFA Club World Cup, a Women’s Rugby World Cup, and a major Cricket showdown.
Let's break down the actual dates and details so you don't miss the games that actually are happening.
The Big One: FIFA Club World Cup 2025
This is the one that's confusing everyone. FIFA decided to revamp their old, smaller club tournament and turn it into a month-long marathon. It’s basically the Champions League but on a global scale and with more jet lag.
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The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is scheduled to run from June 14 to July 13, 2025.
It’s being hosted right here in the United States. Think of it as a "dress rehearsal" for the 2026 international World Cup. We’re talking 32 teams from across the globe. You’ll see giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea, but also clubs like Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami.
Why the dates matter
The tournament kicks off in Miami on June 14. If you're a fan of the English Premier League or La Liga, you’ve probably noticed the players are already complaining about this. They usually get their summer off, but in 2025, they’ll be playing high-stakes matches in the Florida heat.
The final is set for July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. If you’re trying to plan a summer road trip, these are the dates to circle in red.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: England Takes the Stage
If rugby is more your speed, 2025 is technically a "true" World Cup year. England is hosting the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and it’s going to be massive. The Red Roses are favorites, and the atmosphere in the UK is expected to be electric.
The tournament begins on August 22, 2025, and wraps up on September 27, 2025.
The opening match is at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. It’s a five-week grind. The final will be held at the iconic Twickenham Stadium in London. They’re actually aiming to break the world record for attendance at a women’s rugby match for that final, so getting tickets might be a bit of a scramble.
Cricket’s "Mini" World Cup: The ICC Champions Trophy
In the cricket world, people often refer to the Champions Trophy as a "mini World Cup" because it only features the top eight teams in the world. No fluff, just the heavy hitters.
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When is the 2025 World Cup equivalent for cricket? The ICC Champions Trophy is slated for February 19 to March 9, 2025.
It’s scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, though if you follow cricket, you know there’s always a bit of drama regarding whether matches involving India will be moved to the UAE or a neutral venue. As of now, late February is when you need to have your TV tuned in.
Other "World" Events You Might Be Looking For
Sometimes when people search for a World Cup, they’re actually thinking of the World Championships. 2025 is a huge year for "Olympic" sports that don't always get the spotlight.
- World Athletics Championships: This is the big track and field event. It’s happening in Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to September 21, 2025. If you want to see the fastest humans on earth, this is it.
- World Aquatics Championships: For the swimmers and divers, Singapore is the place to be from July 11 to August 3, 2025.
- FIS Alpine World Ski Championships: If you prefer snow to grass, these are happening in Saalbach, Austria, from February 4 to February 16, 2025.
What about the "Actual" FIFA World Cup?
I know, I know. You want the one with the national anthems and the flags.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 (Men’s) starts in June 2026. It’s being split between the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup isn't until 2027. Brazil actually just won the bid to host that one, so you’ve got a couple of years to save up for a trip to Rio.
Wait, what about the 2025 Basketball World Cup?
You’re out of luck there, too. The FIBA World Cup was in 2023 (Germany won, remember?), and the next one isn't until 2027 in Qatar. 2025 is mostly a "qualifying year" for basketball, which means a lot of regional games but no single big trophy at the end of the tunnel.
How to actually prepare for 2025
Look, if you're a sports fan, 2025 is kinda weird. It’s a "gap year" for the biggest tournaments, but it’s packed with these secondary "World Cups" that are actually getting more prestigious.
If you're planning to attend the Club World Cup in the US:
- Check the venues. They are spread out from Seattle to Miami. Don't assume your local stadium is hosting.
- Watch the heat. Most of these games are in June and July in the US South. It's going to be brutal.
- Tickets. FIFA usually starts the lottery process months in advance. If you wait until May 2025, you'll be paying triple on the secondary market.
Basically, 2025 is the year of the "Specialist." Whether you love rugby, club soccer, or track, there’s a world-level event for you. Just don't book a flight to a Men's International World Cup—you'll be exactly 365 days too early.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Confirm your sport: Double-check if you are looking for the FIFA Club World Cup (June-July) or the Women's Rugby World Cup (August-September).
- Verify Venues: If you're in the US, check the 12 host cities for the Club World Cup; major hubs include Atlanta, Orlando, and New Jersey.
- Set Alerts: Use a sports calendar app to mark February 19 (Cricket), June 14 (Club Soccer), and August 22 (Rugby) so you don't miss the opening whistles.