Qatar to host final phase of 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup

Qatar has been confirmed as the host nation for the concluding phase of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will feature the final three matches of the annual global club competition. The event, scheduled for December, will see continental champions compete for the prestigious title across three decisive fixtures. The action begins on Wednesday, 10 […]

Qatar has been confirmed as the host nation for the concluding phase of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will feature the final three matches of the annual global club competition.

The event, scheduled for December, will see continental champions compete for the prestigious title across three decisive fixtures.

The action begins on Wednesday, 10 December, with Match 3 — the FIFA Derby of the Americas — where Mexico’s Cruz Azul, winners of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, will face the newly crowned CONMEBOL Libertadores champions. The South American representatives will be confirmed on 29 November.

The victor will advance to face Egyptian side Pyramids on Saturday, 13 December, in Match 4 for the FIFA Challenger Cup. Pyramids secured their slot after clinching the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup in Jeddah earlier this month, overcoming Auckland City of New Zealand and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli.

The tournament will culminate on Wednesday, 17 December, with Match 5 — the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final — where the Challenger Cup winners will take on UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain for the ultimate annual club accolade.

Matches 3 and 4 are set for the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, while the final’s venue will be confirmed later.

Qatar’s hosting reinforces its reputation as a global football hub, with the Gulf nation also staging the FIFA U-17 World Cup and FIFA Arab Cup in the same November-December window, making use of its 2022 World Cup infrastructure.

Real Madrid won the 2024 edition in Qatar, defeating Mexico’s Pachuca before nearly 70,000 fans at Lusail Stadium.