Benfica and FC Porto will participate in the first edition of the new football club World Cupwhich takes place in from June 15 to July 13, 2025in the United States, the FIFA Council announced this Sunday.
In a meeting on the sidelines of the 2023 Club World Cup, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, before the semi-finals on Monday and Tuesday, FIFA confirmed the participation of the two Portuguese clubs, based on the UEFA ranking of the last four years . .
By the same route, Six more European teams will be presentthe Germans of Bayern Munichthe French of Paris Saint Germain and the Italians of Inter de Milan.
Europe will have a total of 12 representatives, since the last four champions will also participate, the English from Chelsea (2020/21) and Manchester City (2022/23) and the Spanish from Real Madrid (2021/22), with the rest being winners. of 2023/24.
FIFA also confirmed two of five representatives from AfricaAl Ahly and Wydad, two of five in Asia, Al Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds, three of four in CONCACAF, Monterrey, Seattle Sounders and Léon, and Oceania team Auckland City.
As for South America, there will be six teams, with three Brazilian teams already confirmed, Abel Ferreira’s Palmeiras, Flamengo and Fluminense, and, to complete the group of 32 teams, a team from the host country will also be chosen.
The competition will have a first group phase, with eight groups of four teams, qualifying for the round of 16 (round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final), in a single match, the first two teams in each group.
“Clubs play a fundamental role in the world of football and the 2025 Club World Cup will be an important milestone, providing the emblems of all confederations with a suitable stage to shine at the highest level,” said FIFA President, Gianni Infantino.
According to the top leader of the organization that oversees world football, andThis new test “will be open and based on sporting merit”with the aim of “making football truly global”.
The FIFA Council also announced the celebration, annually, starting in 2024, of a FIFA Intercontinental Cup, which will pit, on neutral ground, the winner of the UEFA Champions League against the winner of a play-off. off’ among the champions of the other confederations.
The first final will be on December 18, 2024.
Source: TSF
