Key Highlights
- The 2025 Copa Intercontinental will see the participation of teams from different continents.
- The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to face the winner between Cruz Azul and Flamengo in the final match on December 17, 2025.
- The format of the tournament includes a first round, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final match.
- Teams from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America have already secured their spots in the tournament.
The 2025 Copa Intercontinental: Teams and Format
The 2025 Copa Intercontinental is set to take place this month in Qatar, reviving the spirit of the historic competition that now includes a new format and expanded scope. The tournament aims to bring together the champions from each confederation, showcasing the best teams from around the world.
Teams Participating
The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is the defending champion and will face a formidable opponent in the final match on December 17, 2025. Other participating teams include:
- Auckland City from Oceania, which won the OFC Champions League.
- Al-Ahli from Asia, who secured their spot by winning the Champions Elite.
- The Pyramids from Egypt, representing Africa after winning the African Champions League.
- Cruz Azul and Flamengo from South America, with the former advancing as winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup and the latter as champions of the Copa Conmebol Libertadores.
Calendrical Overview
The 2025 Copa Intercontinental will run from September 14 to December 17, with key matches scheduled for specific dates. Here is a breakdown of the schedule:
| Date | Round | Home Team (Country) | Away Team (Country) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 14, 2025 | First Round | Pyramids (Egypt) | Auckland City (New Zealand) | 3-0 |
| September 23, 2025 | Cuartos de Final | Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) | Pyramids (Egypt) | 1-3 |
| December 10, 2025 | Cuartos de Final | Cruz Azul (Mexico) | Flamengo (Brazil) | ? |
| December 13, 2025 | Semifinal | Pyramids (Egypt) | Cruz Azul or Flamengo | ? |
| December 17, 2025 | Finals | PSG (France) | Ganador Pyramids vs. Cruz Azul/Flamengo | ? |
The Format of the Copa Intercontinental
The tournament begins with the first round, where the Pyramids faced Auckland City in Egypt. The quarter-finals saw the Pyramids defeat Al-Ahli from Saudi Arabia. In the upcoming matches, Flamengo will face Cruz Azul in a highly anticipated Derbi de las Américas.
The winner of this match will then compete against the Pyramids in the semi-final stage.
The final match on December 17, 2025, at Lusail Stadium will determine the champion, just days after the conclusion of the FIFA World Club Cup in Qatar. This format ensures a seamless transition between the two prestigious tournaments.
Historical Context
The Copa Intercontinental has been held almost uninterruptedly since 1960, with notable champions like Real Madrid, Peñarol, and AC Milan. The tournament’s recent history includes the participation of teams from various continents, making it a true global showcase of football talent.
As we look forward to the 2025 edition, fans can expect an exciting display of skill and determination, with the potential for new champions to emerge in this prestigious competition. Stay tuned for updates as the tournament progresses!