The tournament will follow the same type of schedule and format as the World Cup. It will feature eight groups of four clubs and take place over a four week span, kicking off on June 15, 2025 with the Final taking place at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025.
Benfica are one of two Portuguese clubs taking part in the tournament with northern rivals FC Porto also qualifying for the competition through a point system as one of the eight best clubs over the past four seasons outside of Champions League winners. The group stage draw will take place on December 2024.
These clubs have qualified for the tournament:
UEFA (12): BENFICA, FC PORTO, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Salzburg.
CONMEBOL (6): Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, River Plate, Boca Juniors, 2024 Copa Libertadores Winer
CONCACAF (5): Monterrey, Seattel, Leon, Pachuca, Host MLS Club
CAF (4): Al Ahly, Wydad, Mamelodi Sundowns, Esperance de Tunis
AFC (4): Al-Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain, Ulsan
OFC (1): Auckland City
The remaining spot through CONMEBOL will be known at the end of the month and will go to either Botafogo, Atletico Mineiro or Penarol depending on who wins the competition, if River Plate are to win the competition then the final spot will go to Olympia.
The remaining spot through CONCACAF will be given to a host club which will come from the MLS. Rumour has it that Inter Miami will be given the final spot for capturing the Supporters Shield during this regular season. The spot could also go to the MLS Champion which will be decided in early December.
Although not official, the tournament is said to be set to award each competing club €50M for appearing with the eventually winner taking home over €100M in prize money.