The ICC is considering a revision of the World Cup 2025 points system to address concerns that it unfairly advantages certain teams. South Africa’s progression to the 2025 final triggered debate because of their schedule, which did not include Test series against Australia and England. The proposed changes could also affect how teams are reflected in the Points Table World Cup 2025, with victories against top-tier opponents potentially carrying greater value.
Group Stage
The Group Stage of the Club World Cup is under way, with some of the biggest teams from around the globe pitted against each other in scintillating ties. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are among those to watch, as the MLS side will face Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly in their opening match on June 14.
FIFA’s revamped club competition is played every four years, with clubs qualifying by either winning their confederation’s flagship tournament or by reaching the top of their ranking system.
The 32 participating teams are divided into eight groups of four teams, with the two best teams in each group advancing to the knockout stage. The other three spots in the quarterfinals are filled by the best third-place finishers in each group.
England, Mexico and DR Congo are early favorites after impressive performances in the tournament’s first round of games. Canada and Switzerland have also made strong statements, with the latter scoring a historic 6-0 victory over Qatar and advancing to the next round.
Knockout Stage
After weeks of intense competition, the tournament has entered its all-important knockout stage. As we’ve seen throughout the group stage, teams will need to fight hard to advance and take home the World Cup trophy.
This year, the format is different as 48 teams are advancing to the Round of 32 instead of only eight. With more teams in the tournament, the games have been thrilling from the start and there is still plenty of excitement ahead.
Jasmine Garsd, NPR Sports: The knockout stage is the best part of the World Cup, and it’s going to be even more tense this time. The single-elimination aspect means that a team that loses will go home, and that can make the matches even more exciting. Plus, the tournament is moving to penalty kicks if the game ends in a draw after 90 minutes of regulation and a half-hour of extra time.
NPR’s Jasmine Garsd is covering the World Cup for us and she’s been seeing firsthand how exciting the knockout stages are. She’s also been hearing from the fans and what it is like to watch these games in the U.S.
In addition to coverage on radio and TV, the U.S. Men’s National Team is livestreaming 21 of the games, including the opening match featuring the world’s greatest player, Lionel Messi, on the MiTelefon app and on YouTube for all soccer fanatics. The app offers fans live streaming of the games and an enhanced experience with features like live statistics, video highlights and post-match interviews.
With the United States hosting the tournament, there has been a tremendous amount of support for the USMNT. The team has received a warm welcome at U.S. Soccer House presented by Bank of America in Venice Beach and throughout the country as it tries to make history on its own terms. The team plays its next two matches in the Pacific time zone and will then head to Seattle for its quarterfinal.
Quarterfinals
After the round of 16, the tournament shifts into high gear as four of the top clubs in the world prepare for semifinal encounters. Manchester City and Bayern Munich are both trying to overcome an early exit and make it all the way to the final weekend, but they won’t have it easy.
Both teams are brimming with talent, and this is one of the most intriguing quarterfinals on the calendar. It has all the trappings of a matchup for the ages: European giants, iconic stars, fan bases that travel the world, sweltering stadiums and international politics.
England may have lost to Morocco in the last round of this competition, but that was a fluke, and the Atlas Lions will be back for more. They have made it clear that they are no pushovers, and this tournament could be the platform to show it to a wider audience.
The winner of this matchup will be the first team to reach the semis under the new format. This competition will continue to feature the winners of each continent’s premier club competition, but it will also add a spot for the top team from Oceania and additional slots based on rankings.
For this reason, the draw had to be rejiggered in order to accommodate these additions. As a result, Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders were drawn into position 4 of Group A and B respectively.
Both teams are brimming with depth, and that will be key in this sweltering atmosphere. Manager Enzo Maresca will have to rely heavily on his bench, and that’s a good thing. He’s already used 25 players, and only right back Malo Gusto has logged more than 195 minutes. That’s a testament to the strength of this squad, and how well it has clicked so far in these hot conditions.
Semifinals
With the group stage complete, teams now begin their quest to win the World Cup. There are a total of 12 pools, with four teams in each one. The top two finishers in each group will advance to the semifinals. The winner of the tournament will be declared at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
England secured the final semi-final spot with a convincing victory over New Zealand in Malaysia. It means the home team joins India, Australia and South Africa in securing a place in the last eight.
The other two spots in the semifinals will be determined at the quarterfinal stage, which begins on Friday. England and Bangladesh are currently tied for second in their groups, so it will be a close race to see who takes the last remaining semifinal spot.
Unlike the previous World Cup, which featured six different pots, this time around the 48-team event is split into 12 group of four pools. As a result, there might not be a so-called “Group of Death.”
The host countries of Mexico and Canada can avoid drawing together in the same group by being placed in Pot 1. Morocco, which was one of the breakout stories of the previous World Cup, was put into Pot 2, while Brazil was paired with France. Defending champion France will face Senegal in its first match of the tournament, a rematch of their 2002 semifinal clash.
The tournament is also reuniting longtime rivals Germany and France, who will be in the same group. Fans can follow the Points Table World Cup 2025 to track team standings, points, and progress throughout the competition.
Also Read : World Cup Points Table 2026
