The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted across the United States from June 14 to July 13, marked a historic shift in global club football. This 21st edition, the first under a bold new quadrennial format, brought together 32 of the world’s top clubs in a month-long spectacle that culminated in a thrilling final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, European giants like Manchester City and Real Madrid, and South American powerhouses like Flamengo and River Plate, the tournament captured the imagination of fans worldwide—especially in North America, where soccer’s popularity continues to soar. But did Messi and Inter Miami steal the show, or did the European titans dominate as expected? Let’s dive into the tournament’s highs, lows, controversies, and unforgettable moments, and invite you to build your Dream XI from its brightest stars.

A New Era: The Quadrennial Format

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, marketed as FIFA Club World Cup 25, replaced the annual seven-team tournament with an expanded 32-team format, mirroring the FIFA World Cup’s structure. Held from June 14 to July 13, 2025, across 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities—including Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, and MetLife Stadium—the tournament featured eight groups of four teams, with the top two advancing to the knockout rounds. This shift aimed to elevate the competition’s prestige, offering a $1 billion prize pool, with the champions earning up to $125 million. European clubs, with 12 slots, dominated representation, followed by South America (six), Asia, Africa, North America (four each), and Oceania (one).

The new format, designed as a “best of” global club championship, included continental champions from 2021 to 2024 and additional teams based on four-year confederation rankings. However, it wasn’t without controversy. FIFA’s decision to award the host nation’s slot to Inter Miami, despite their first-round MLS playoff exit in 2024, sparked debate. Critics argued the choice was a marketing ploy to showcase Lionel Messi, the sport’s biggest star, over the MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy.

North American Fans: A Soccer Feast on Home Soil

For North American fans, the tournament was a dream come true. Venues like Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, where Inter Miami faced Al Ahly in the opening match, and the iconic Rose Bowl, with its 88,500 capacity, buzzed with energy. Fans flocked to see global stars like Messi, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, and Manchester City’s Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, compete on U.S. soil. The Hard Rock Stadium, bathed in Miami’s vibrant atmosphere, drew 65,000 for the opener, while MetLife Stadium’s 82,500 seats were packed for the final.

The tournament’s timing, a year before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, served as a test run for U.S. infrastructure and fan engagement. Despite concerns about half-empty stadiums, the presence of Messi and clubs like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea ensured strong attendance, especially in Miami, where local pride for Inter Miami ran high. Social media buzzed with posts celebrating the “Messi effect,” with one X user noting, “Inter Miami and MLS became known to the whole world” after their group stage performance. However, some fans criticized daytime kickoffs in Miami’s scorching heat, with ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano arguing no match should start before 7:30 p.m. for player safety and performance.

Standout Performances: Stars and Surprises

The tournament delivered unforgettable moments. Chelsea emerged as champions, defeating PSG 3–0 in the final, marking their second Club World Cup title and the first under the new format. PSG’s run to the final was electric, with Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué shining. Dembélé scored crucial goals, including in a 4–0 rout of Inter Miami in the round of 16 and a 4–0 semifinal win over Real Madrid, while Doué led the tournament in attempted take-ons.

Inter Miami, despite skepticism about their inclusion, reached the knockout stage, fueled by Messi’s magic. His match-winning free kick against Porto was a highlight, described by ESPN’s James Olley as “a heartwarming moment of endurance and longevity” from the 38-year-old legend. However, their 4–0 loss to PSG exposed their limitations against elite European sides, with PSG’s midfield trio of João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz dominating possession.

Surprises came from non-European teams. Al Hilal’s stunning 4–3 extra-time upset over Manchester City in the round of 16, led by ex-European stars like Rúben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrović, was a tournament highlight, validating FIFA’s push for global inclusivity. Palmeiras and Botafogo also impressed, with the former reaching the quarterfinals.

Controversies: Player Welfare and Format Criticism

The expanded format drew criticism for its impact on players. The month-long tournament, following grueling domestic seasons, raised concerns about fatigue and injury risks. Global players’ union FIFPro and European leagues labeled the calendar “oversaturated,” with stars like Liverpool’s Alisson Becker and Manchester City’s Rodri voicing concerns. Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala suffered a serious injury in their quarterfinal loss to PSG, amplifying these worries.

FIFA’s scheduling, particularly early kickoffs in Miami’s heat, drew ire for prioritizing global broadcast audiences over player safety. Critics also questioned the prize money distribution, with UEFA clubs like Porto and Atlético Madrid receiving larger shares than non-European teams despite earlier exits. The inclusion of Inter Miami over the MLS Cup champions remained a sore point, with some calling it a “cynical construction” to boost ticket sales.

The Final: Chelsea vs. PSG

The July 13 final at MetLife Stadium saw Chelsea overpower PSG 3–0, a historic clash as the first Club World Cup final between two European teams. Chelsea’s clinical performance, bolstered by new signing Liam Delap, outshone PSG’s attacking flair. The result cemented Chelsea’s status as a global force, earning them a commemorative badge for the next four years.

Interactive Feature: Build Your Dream XI

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup showcased a constellation of stars. Now it’s your turn to pick your ultimate lineup! Using players from the tournament, create your Dream XI in a 4-3-3 formation. Here’s a sample to inspire you:

• Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) – His 99th-minute save against Borussia Dortmund was a game-changer.
• Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal), Achraf Hakimi (PSG) – A blend of new signings and defensive stalwarts.
• Midfielders: João Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Rodri (Manchester City) – PSG’s midfield controlled games, while Rodri’s presence was vital despite City’s exit.
• Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Désiré Doué (PSG) – Messi’s free-kick magic, Dembélé’s goals, and Doué’s flair lit up the tournament.

How to Participate: Visit www.nriglobe.com/dreamxi to select your lineup. Share your Dream XI on X with the hashtag #NRIGlobeDreamXI and tag @NRIGlobe for a chance to be featured in our next post. Compare your picks with fans worldwide and see if you’d start Messi or Mbappé!

Why It Matters

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was more than a tournament—it was a statement. For North American fans, it brought world-class soccer to their doorstep, setting the stage for the 2026 World Cup. Messi’s presence, despite Inter Miami’s exit, reminded the world of his enduring brilliance. The expanded format, while controversial, showcased global talent, from Al Hilal’s upset to Chelsea’s triumph. As soccer grows in the U.S., this tournament proved the sport’s universal appeal.

Call to Action: Head to www.nriglobe.com/dreamxi, build your Dream XI, and share it on X with #NRIGlobeDreamXI. Tag @NRIGlobe for a chance to be featured. Let’s see who creates the ultimate lineup!

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