AFC President Shaikh Salman Backs Asian Teams To Excel At FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will see four Asian teams competing, with AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa optimistic about their chances. The tournament, featuring 32 teams, will take place in the United States across 12 venues in 11 cities. The final match is scheduled for 13th July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Historically, Asian clubs have performed well in the FIFA Club World Cup. Al Hilal (2022), Al Ain (2018), and Kashima Antlers (2016) have all reached the finals, securing runner-up positions. This track record highlights Asia's growing competitiveness on the global stage.

Shaikh Salman expressed his support for the Asian teams and officials participating in this expanded tournament. He stated, "On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to extend our best wishes to our four representative clubs as well as to all our AFC match officials participating in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup."

Urawa Red Diamonds, winners of the AFC Champions League 2022, will begin their campaign in Group E. They face CA River Plate from Argentina on 17th June at Lumen Field in Seattle. Following this, they will play against FC Internazionale Milano on 21st June and CF Monterrey on 25th June.

Al Ain FC from the UAE will compete in Group G. Their first match is against Juventus FC on 18th June at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. They will then face Manchester City on 22nd June and Wydad AC on 26th June.

Ulsan HD's Challenging Fixtures

Ulsan HD will participate in Group F, starting with a match against Mamelodi Sundowns FC from South Africa on 17th June at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. They will also play Fluminense FC on 21st June and Borussia Dortmund on 25th June.

Al Hilal SFC from Saudi Arabia is set to compete against Real Madrid C.F. on 18th June at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Their subsequent matches include encounters with FC Salzburg on 22nd June and CF Pachuca on 26th June.

AFC's Vision for Global Success

The AFC President highlighted the importance of this tournament for Asian football's global aspirations. He remarked that it reflects "the aspirations of the global football community" and wished success to FIFA and everyone involved.

This event promises to be a significant moment for international club football, showcasing talent from various continents and enhancing enthusiasm for the sport worldwide.

With inputs from WAM