This children’s article, The new FIFA Club World Cup: Who’s playing and what’s different?, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore world football. Written by Mark Pulley, a writer and teacher who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
A big change for the Club World Cup
FIFA is changing the way the Club World Cup works. Instead of just seven teams and one short tournament each year, there will be a big new competition every four years. The first one will happen in the United States in June and July 2025.
This time, 32 teams will take part, just like in the regular World Cup for national teams. These teams are top football clubs from all over the world, not countries, but famous teams like Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Who gets to play?
To join the tournament, clubs had to win big competitions in their region between 2021 and 2024. For example, the winners of the UEFA Champions League in Europe and the Copa Libertadores in South America were chosen.
Some of the favourites to win the new trophy include Real Madrid from Spain, Bayern Munich from Germany, Manchester City from England, and Flamengo from Brazil.
There are also extra places for teams from some regions, especially Europe and South America. But no country can have more than two teams.
The winners of the tournament will not only be the first to lift the new gold trophy, but they could win up to 125 million dollars!
When and where is it?
The tournament will happen in the United States from 15 June to 13 July 2025. FIFA hopes it will become a big event for club football, just like the World Cup is for national teams.
The new format means more games and more fans watching around the world. But some people are worried it might be too much football, as players already have busy schedules.
What about the old Club World Cup?
The older version of the Club World Cup, with just seven teams, will still happen once more in December 2025, in Saudi Arabia. After that, FIFA will decide what to do next.
Article vocabulary list
- Tournament – A sports competition with many teams playing to win.
- Club – A football team, not a national team.
- Qualify – To earn the right to join a competition.
- Region – An area of the world, like Europe or Africa.
- Format – The way something is set up or organised.
- Champions League – A top football tournament in Europe.
- Schedule – A plan that shows when things happen.
- FIFA – The group that organises international football competitions.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. How often will the new FIFA Club World Cup happen?
a) Every year
b) Every two years
c) Every four years
Answer: c) Every four years
2. Where will the 2025 Club World Cup take place?
a) Saudi Arabia
b) United States
c) Japan
Answer: b) United States
3. Which team from England has qualified?
a) Liverpool
b) Chelsea
c) Manchester United
Answer: b) Chelsea
4. What is the maximum number of clubs allowed from one country?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
Answer: b) Two
5. What is one reason people are worried about the new format?
a) The games are too short
b) There aren’t enough teams
c) Players already have busy schedules
Answer: c) Players already have busy schedules
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
