When Chelsea FC lifted the trophy on July 13, 2025, the world finally got a glimpse of what the new 32‑team FIFA Club World Cup looks like in full swing. The English side smashed French giants Paris Saint-Germain 3‑0 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, before a roaring crowd of 82,523. Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci kept the game under control, and the win crowned Chelsea the inaugural champions of the expanded tournament.
Historical Background and Format Change
The Club World Cup hadn’t looked like this since its modest seven‑team incarnation that ran from 2000 to 2023. Back then, the competition squeezed in a handful of matches over two weeks, leaving many continents feeling under‑represented. That all shifted when Gianni Infantino, FIFA President announced at a New York launch event on December 17, 2023, that the tournament would expand to 32 clubs, featuring champions from all six FIFA confederations plus the host nation’s representative.
"This new format will provide unprecedented global reach and commercial opportunities while maintaining the highest competitive standards of club football," Infantino said. The decision meant the tournament would now span 20 days, travel across eight U.S. cities, and generate a projected $1.2 billion in revenue.
Group Stage Highlights
Thirty‑two clubs were split into eight groups of four, each playing a round‑robin at designated venues. The most talked‑about action unfolded in Group C, featuring Portugal’s SL Benfica, Germany’s FC Bayern München, Argentina’s Boca Juniors and New Zealand’s Auckland City FC.
- June 24: Bayern demolished Auckland City 10‑0 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match drew 21,152 fans and was overseen by Senegalese referee Issa Sy.
- June 24: Boca and Benfica locked horns in a 2‑2 draw at the same venue, attracting 55,574 spectators. Mexican referee César Ramos blew the whistle.
- June 25: Benfica thrashed Auckland City 6‑0, a game watched by just 6,730 locals. Qatari referee Salman Falahi took charge.
- June 26: Bayern edged Boca 2‑1 in front of 63,587 fans.
- June 27: Auckland City earned a 1‑1 stalemate against Boca at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, with Swedish official Glenn Nyberg in charge.
- June 28: Benfica secured a 1‑0 win over Bayern, the decisive goal coming from Norwegian forward Erik Schjelderup in the 13th minute, before a crowd of 33,287.
The final table left Benfica on top with seven points, Bayern second with six, Boca third with two, and Auckland City bottom with one. Both Benfica and Bayern moved on to the knockout round, while Boca and Auckland City bowed out.
Knockout Rounds and the Road to the Final
After the group phase, the tournament shifted to single‑elimination. Chelsea entered the fray as the UEFA Champions League holders and quickly demonstrated why they were favorites. In the Round of 16, they beat Espérance Sportive de Tunis 4‑1 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with a dazzling free‑kick from defender Ben White. The quarter‑finals saw a 3‑0 demolition of Brazilian side Flamengo at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, courtesy of goals from Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, and a late header by Kalidou Koulibaly.
Meanwhile, PSG, the Ligue 1 champions, fought their way through a tight semi‑final against Juventus, winning 2‑1 after a penalty conversion by Kylian Mbappé. The stage was set for a classic England‑France showdown.
Championship Final: Chelsea’s Dominance
The final was a showcase of tactical discipline and clinical finishing. Chelsea’s manager, Matteo Garnier, opted for a high‑press 4‑3‑3 that stifled PSG’s creative midfield. The first goal came in the 22nd minute when Mason Mount slipped a through‑ball to N’Golo Kanté, who rounded the keeper and tucked the ball home.
Four minutes later, Karim Adeyemi doubled the lead with a low strike from the edge of the box. The third and final goal arrived in the 71st minute as Raheem Sterling curled a free‑kick into the top corner, sealing a 3‑0 victory.
Post‑match, Garnier praised his squad: "We knew the quality of the opposition, but our belief and the support from the fans in New Jersey made the difference." Infantino, watching from the VIP suite, called the tournament a "resounding success" and hinted that the expanded format would become the new norm.
Financial Windfall and Commercial Impact
The 2025 edition raked in roughly $1.2 billion: $800 million from broadcasting rights sold to networks across Europe, Asia, and the Americas; $300 million from sponsorships with brands like Nike, Coca‑Cola, and Samsung; and $100 million from ticket sales, including premium hospitality packages. Every participating club received a minimum guarantee of $50 million, while Chelsea walked away with $120 million after prize‑money distribution.
Local economies also felt the boost. Cities such as Charlotte, Nashville, and Miami reported hotel‑occupancy rates climbing above 95 % during match weeks, and the tournament generated an estimated $250 million in ancillary spending on food, transport, and merchandise.
Future Outlook: 2029 in Brazil
With the 2025 experiment deemed a triumph, FIFA has already earmarked Brazil to host the 2029 edition. Infantino confirmed that the 32‑team model will stay, but with a few tweaks: a slightly shorter schedule to reduce player fatigue and a stronger emphasis on sustainability, including carbon‑offset initiatives for travel.
Fans and pundits alike are already buzzing about whether the expanded format will eventually eclipse the traditional UEFA Champions League in prestige. For now, Chelsea’s victory marks the beginning of a new era in club football.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the expanded format affect clubs financially?
Each club received a guaranteed minimum of $50 million, far higher than the payouts in the seven‑team era. Champions earned $120 million, allowing smaller clubs to invest in facilities and player development, while larger clubs benefit from additional prize money and global exposure.
Which cities hosted the tournament matches?
Matches were spread across eight venues: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ), Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC), Nissan Stadium (Nashville, TN), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA), Camping World Stadium (Orlando, FL), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL), TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, OH), and Rose Bowl Stadium (Pasadena, CA).
What was the biggest surprise of the tournament?
Bayern München’s 10‑0 thrashing of Auckland City shocked many, but the real upset was the narrow 1‑0 loss to Benfica on June 28, which forced a dramatic shift in the knockout bracket and highlighted the depth of European competition.
Will the Club World Cup continue with 32 teams?
FIFA has confirmed the 32‑team format will stay for future editions, with the next tournament slated for 2029 in Brazil. Adjustments may be made to scheduling and environmental standards, but the core structure is set.
How did fans react to the new tournament layout?
Ticket sales smashed expectations, especially in the final where over 82,000 fans attended. Social media sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, praising the chance to see clubs from different continents clash in person rather than just on TV.