FIFA Club World Cup: Teams Granted Special Transfer Window Ahead of Historic 2025 Tournament in the U.S.

In a landmark move ahead of this summer’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup, all 32 participating teams will be allowed to sign new players during a special registration window from June 1 to June 10, FIFA announced on Wednesday.

This temporary transfer period gives clubs the unique opportunity to bolster their rosters before the tournament kicks off on June 14 across the United States. While most of the world’s elite clubs are expected to fine-tune already star-studded lineups, the move is especially significant for MLS clubs set to compete on home soil.

MLS Clubs Eligible for Early Reinforcements

Inter Miami CF and Seattle Sounders FC are already confirmed participants, while LAFC could become the third MLS team if they defeat Club América in a play-in match on May 31. All three clubs will be eligible to use the June 1–10 registration window—provided they have the roster and salary cap flexibility to do so.

This offers a rare chance for MLS teams to bring in impactful reinforcements ahead of a high-stakes international tournament, especially with a staggering $1 billion prize pool at stake. Every participating team is guaranteed $9.55 million, with further earnings based on tournament performance.

No Access for Non-Qualifying MLS Clubs

It’s important to note that non-participating MLS clubs will not have access to this special registration period. Instead, they will have to wait for the standard MLS Secondary Transfer Window, which runs from July 24 to August 21.

Tournament Format and Locations

The 2025 Club World Cup marks the tournament’s expansion to 32 teams, mirroring the format of the FIFA World Cup. Clubs are drawn into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to a single-elimination Round of 16.

Matches will be played across 12 stadiums, with seven located in MLS markets, giving U.S.-based fans unprecedented access to top-tier global club soccer.

Inter Miami’s Group A Journey

Inter Miami, led by global icon Lionel Messi, earned the host-nation berth by winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield and setting a league record for points (74). Their tournament schedule includes:

• June 14 vs. Al Ahly – 8 PM ET at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL

• June 19 vs. FC Porto – 3 PM ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

• June 23 vs. Palmeiras – 9 PM ET at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL

The group pits Inter Miami against formidable opposition from Egypt, Portugal, and Brazil—three clubs with deep international pedigree.

Seattle Sounders Draw Star-Studded Group

The Seattle Sounders qualified for the tournament through their historic 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup triumph. They’ll benefit from a rare home-field advantage, playing all of their Group B matches at Lumen Field in Seattle:

• June 15 vs. Botafogo – 10 PM ET

• June 19 vs. Atlético Madrid – 6 PM ET

• June 23 vs. Paris Saint-Germain – 3 PM ET

It’s a marquee group featuring Brazilian side Botafogo, Spanish powerhouse Atlético Madrid, and French giants Paris Saint-Germain—a true test for Seattle in front of their passionate home supporters.

As the countdown to the first-ever 32-team Club World Cup continues, expect a flurry of transfer activity, particularly from clubs looking to capitalize on FIFA’s special roster window. For MLS teams, it’s a rare and potentially game-changing chance to make history on the world stage.