The long-awaited and expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is just seven days away from kicking off in the United States, ushering in a bold new era for global club football.
Set to run from June 14 to July 13, this revamped edition marks a dramatic shift in format, expanding from its previous version to a 32-team tournament, most of whom earned their spots by winning their continent’s premier club competitions. The structure mirrors the FIFA World Cup: eight groups of four, followed by a knockout phase.
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The 2025 Club World Cup also serves as a testing ground for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Mexico, and Canada will co-host. With an eye-watering $1 billion prize pool, clubs are expected to bring their strongest squads, raising the quality and competitiveness to unprecedented levels.
As the world prepares for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, here are six star players to watch, each representing top clubs with serious ambitions of world dominance.
Kylian Mbappé: Real Madrid’s newest Galáctico ready for global stage
Kylian Mbappé will spearhead Real Madrid’s campaign in the United States, fresh off a record-breaking debut season in the Spanish capital. The French superstar tallied 42 goals across all competitions in 2024/25, shattering Iván Zamorano’s club record for most goals in a debut season.
His dazzling performances earned him the European Golden Boot, capping off a remarkable year that cemented his place as one of the world’s deadliest forwards. Now, Mbappé turns his focus to the Club World Cup, where he’ll aim to lead Los Blancos to yet another historic title—and etch his name even deeper into Real Madrid folklore.
Lionel Messi: Still magical at 38
Even at 38 years old, Lionel Messi continues to defy expectations. The Argentine legend, who leads Inter Miami into their first Club World Cup, remains a spectacle—effortlessly gliding past defenders, delivering sublime free kicks, and orchestrating play like few in history.
Messi’s presence is seen as a major boost to the tournament’s global appeal. Widely believed to be the driving factor behind FIFA’s invitation to Inter Miami, the “Messi factor” is expected to draw massive attention worldwide. This could be his final appearance at a global FIFA club tournament—and fans won’t want to miss it.
Désiré Doué: PSG’s new jewel ready for global spotlight
At just 19, Désiré Doué is already being hailed as Paris Saint-Germain’s next generational talent. The French midfielder enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024/25, registering double digits in both goals and assists—something neither Mbappé, Neymar, nor Messi managed in their debut seasons with PSG.
Doué was pivotal in PSG’s historic quadruple, winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophée des Champions, and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title. Now, on the back of a meteoric rise, he heads into the Club World Cup as one of its most exciting young stars—and a cornerstone of PSG’s future.
Cole Palmer: Young Lion with something to prove
Cole Palmer’s 2024/25 season was a tale of two halves. After enduring an 18-game goal drought post-New Year, questions swirled about whether his early brilliance had faded. But the young English midfielder roared back, delivering a man-of-the-match performance in the UEFA Europa Conference League final, guiding Chelsea to European silverware.
Now back in top form and brimming with confidence, Palmer enters the Club World Cup as a player to watch. With Chelsea aiming for a global statement, Palmer could use this platform to firmly establish himself as a central figure in the Blues’ plans.
Julián Álvarez: Revenge mission against Man City?
Letting Julián Álvarez go last summer may prove to be one of Manchester City’s biggest regrets. Sold to Atlético Madrid for £85.1 million, the Argentine forward quickly became a standout in La Liga.
Álvarez racked up 29 goals across all competitions, despite Atlético’s inconsistency and competition for minutes with Alexander Sørloth. Now, with the global spotlight firmly on the Club World Cup, Álvarez has a golden opportunity to showcase his world-class talent—and prove City made the wrong call.
Franco Mastantuono: Argentina’s next big name
At just 17 years old, Franco Mastantuono is already being touted as Argentina’s next great playmaker. The River Plate starlet combines flair, intelligence, and a cannon of a left foot, playing well beyond his years.
He’s attracted interest from Europe’s biggest clubs, like Real Madrid. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup could provide the perfect stage for him to announce himself to the world.
From legends like Messi and Mbappé to future stars like Doué and Mastantuono, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises to be a blockbuster event. With $1 billion on the line and the world’s best clubs chasing glory, the U.S. will be the centre of football’s universe for one unforgettable month.
