**FIFA Enforces Strict Arrival Rules Amid Overlapping Schedules for 2025 Club World Cup**

FIFA has confirmed that all teams participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup must arrive in the United States between three to five days before their initial match. This stringent scheduling has sparked concerns about player fatigue, considering the close proximity to international World Cup qualifiers. The upcoming tournament, set to host 32 teams and feature 63 games, will commence on June 15 and conclude with the final on July 13 at an undetermined venue.

Detailed rules were recently sent to the qualified teams, emphasizing the mandate for clubs to field their strongest squads or face potential fines. This tournament, a key project for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has encountered resistance from players' unions and league associations, some of which have escalated their grievances to legal battles in European courts. Prominent figures in football, like Manchester City's Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti, have voiced their discontent over the increased workload imposed on their players.

Compounding these concerns, an international break is scheduled from June 6-10 for 2026 World Cup qualifiers, just days before the Club World Cup begins. This schedule creates a scenario where international players may find themselves playing for their national teams mere days before entering the Club World Cup. Additionally, the Champions League final is on May 31, leading to a non-stop series of critical matches for players from top clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.

FIFA's regulations also preclude team owners from holding shares in more than one club, and stipulate that squads must consist of 26-35 players. A unique transfer window has been established from June 1-10 to address any squad adjustments before the tournament starts. FIFA will arbitrate any disputes that arise when multiple clubs seek to include the same player in their tournament line-ups.

An intriguing logistical challenge is presented with the June 30 expiration date for many player contracts, notably affecting stars like Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, and Leroy Sané. Free agents can initiate negotiations in January and secure deals for the next season, though the Club World Cup start date of June 15 technically remains in the current season. FIFA's exceptional transfer window from June 1-10 aims to alleviate these transitional issues.

FIFA will also permit teams to update their squad lists mid-tournament—between June 27 and July 3—to replace players whose contracts have naturally concluded. However, once transferred, a player is only eligible to represent one team in the Club World Cup.

Final details such as prize money and the tournament draw schedule remain unannounced but are anticipated by early December. The final South American qualifier will emerge from the Copa Libertadores final on November 30. The tournament has already identified most participants based on continental championships and consistent competition results, with Brazil having four teams and Mexico three. Additionally, Inter Miami join the competition representing the host nation, following the club’s standout regular-season performance.

The tournament's opener, featuring Inter Miami, will take place at the Miami Dolphins stadium, setting the stage for an intensive month of global football competition.