The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be the largest ever, with 32 of the world’s top clubs visiting the United States. It’s the first time North American fans will have the chance to see so many top teams play on U.S. soil. While more teams will arrive soon enough, some of the world’s giants are already on the roster. From European titans to South American legends, Asian champions, and African dynasties, these clubs have history, quality, and a very serious winning mindset.
Which Clubs Have Already Joined?
Let’s discuss the biggest names who have already qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup.
Real Madrid (Spain)
Qualification: UEFA Champions League winners 2021/22 and 2023/24
The greatest club in European football history. With 14 UEFA Champions League titles, Real Madrid is a global name.
Manchester City (England)
Qualification: UEFA Champions League winners 2022/23
City has dominated English football under Pep Guardiola and finally won Europe. Renowned for technical excellence and reliability.
Palmeiras (Brazil)
Qualification: Copa Libertadores winners 2021
A Brazilian giant with numerous local and continental titles, Palmeiras is one of the best clubs in South America.
Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Qualification: AFC Champions League winners 2021
Asia’s most decorated club with four continental titles. Al Hilal has been at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s football rise.
Al Ahly (Egypt)
Qualification: CAF Champions League winners 2020/21, 2022/23 and 2023/24
The “Club of the Century” in Africa. With a massive fan base and over 40 domestic titles, Al Ahly dominates African football.
CF Pachuca (Mexico)
Qualification: CONCACAF Champions League winners 2024
One of Mexico’s oldest and most consistent clubs, Pachuca has a strong youth system and multiple regional titles.
River Plate (Argentina)
Qualification: Copa Libertadores winners 2018 (CONMEBOL ranking pathway)
One of Argentina’s biggest clubs, River Plate has a storied rivalry with Boca Juniors and a proud record in South American football.
Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
Qualification: AFC Champions League winners 2022
One of the best-supported clubs in Asia. From Saitama, Urawa is remembered for die-hard fans and robust domestic performance.
What Makes These Teams Special
Each of these clubs adds something unique to the 2025 Club World Cup. Real Madrid and Manchester City are bursting with world-class talent and play top-class football week in, week out. River Plate and Palmeiras add the flair and competitive nature of South America. Al Hilal and Urawa prove the strength of Asian football, and Al Ahly and Pachuca prove success is not the preserve of Europe or South America.
All eight have been continental champions in the past. That is, they have already beaten the best from their continent to get here. They all have experience, good fan bases, and tactical awareness. Whether it’s Real Madrid’s tradition, Pachuca’s commitment to youth, or Al Ahly’s fierceness, each side has proved they are worthy of being here.
Their Top Players to Watch
These are some of the top names that will set the tournament aglow:
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – The English midfielder is already a leader at Madrid, with physical strength and technique.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – One of the deadliest strikers in football globally. A huge threat in every match.
Estevão (Palmeiras) – A teen wizard nicknamed “Messinho,” with dazzling dribbling and creativity.
Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal) – For his pace and direct approach, he is one of Asia’s best wingers.
Nejc Gradišar (Al Ahly) – A technically gifted forward with European pedigree, adding speed and pizzazz to the African champions.
Salomón Rondón (Pachuca) – A veteran striker with strength, hold-up play, and goals.
Miguel Borja (River Plate) – A physical striker who punishes defenses with movement and power.
Ryoma Watanabe (Urawa Red Diamonds) – Technical playmaker who provides imagination to the Japanese team.
All these players have experience, form, and talent. Most of them are already established stars in their countries, and the American tournament presents an opportunity for them to shine on a larger stage.
Their Style of Football
Each club comes in with a different style that is based on its past and its local influence.
Real Madrid: Tactical adaptability, rapid counter-attacks, and world-class players who can win games in a matter of seconds. Tend to play calmly and patiently.
Manchester City: Structured high pressing possession. Guardiola’s side is fully dominant in the ball and creates countless chances.
Palmeiras: Structured and balanced. Their focus is on a solid defense and straightforward attacking transitions.
Al Hilal: attacking-minded with good wing play. Combines veteran local players with top international imports.
Al Ahly: Physical and gritty. Routinely praised for sustained pressure and winning second balls. Also dominates games well in midfield.
Pachuca: Energetic, skilled. Encourages many youth players and has a contemporary, dynamic style of play.
River Plate: Emotional and hard-running. Boasts on fast movement and inventive passing, particularly in the final third.
Urawa Red Diamonds: Tactical and disciplined. Japanese clubs emphasize teamwork and Urawa is no exception.
This mix of styles will make the Club World Cup a thrilling tactical battle. The fans will witness high-pressing European powerhouses meet with creative South American sides, and Asian and African clubs introduce their own tempo and rhythm.
Why They Might Win Everything
These eight squads are not merely coming to play, they possess the makings of going deep in the tournament.
- Real Madrid has the experience, depth, and mindset to cope with pressure. No club wins more in pressure tournaments.
- Manchester City will be eager to demonstrate their supremacy beyond Europe. Their depth of squad and tactical solidity make them strong favorites.
- Palmeiras are adept at winning knockout matches and might surprise European clubs who are unacquainted with their determination.
- River Plate combines South American fire with European-level preparation. They’ve done it before, and they can do it again.
- Al Hilal has invested heavily in talent and is one of the best Asian teams in terms of squad balance.
- Al Ahly thrives on big occasions and has played more Club World Cup games than almost any other team.
- Pachuca could benefit from home-continent advantage, with Mexican fans backing them strongly in U.S. cities.
- Urawa Red Diamonds might fly under the radar, but Japanese discipline and teamwork can frustrate bigger clubs.
With its month-long duration and several rounds of knockout, it’s no longer about being in the limelight, it’s all about being consistent. These clubs have already proven that they can win in big ways. The world now waits to see if they can do the same thing again.
A Global Showdown Awaits
As the countdown begins to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, American soccer supporters have much to look forward to. City’s passing masterclass, Real Madrid’s trophies galore, River’s tradition, Al Ahly’s supremacy, and much, much more, this is an assembly of club football’s elite. Domestic and international visitors alike are afforded a once-a-generation chance to witness different styles, superstar talent, and the intense pride of playing for a club crest.
Whether you prefer the legends of Europe or the champions from Asia and Africa, there will be something in this tournament for everyone. And with these eight teams already tied up, the stage is set for a summer of football to remember.