FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Features Messi and Real Madrid in Opening Match

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will begin its first matchday with a game featuring Lionel Messi with his team and an exciting battle between Real Madrid and Al Hilal.

This prestigious tournament has experienced a long journey since its first iteration as the Intercontinental Cup in 2000 — experiencing a pause during the period from 2001 to 2004 due to financial constraints.

The previous format used from 2005 to 2023 implemented a knockout system with UEFA and CONMEBOL representatives receiving semifinal privileges — while four teams from other confederations had to compete from the initial rounds.

A significant change occurred when FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the tournament expansion — transforming the format from 6 teams to 32 participants who will compete in the 2025 edition.