FIFA Introduces Special Transfer Windows for 2025 Club World Cup Teams
Ahead of the inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA has officially announced the introduction of special transfer windows to accommodate participating clubs.
The tournament, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, will feature elite clubs from around the world and marks a new era in international club football.
The special transfer windows have been designed to address the logistical and regulatory challenges posed by differing domestic league calendars and contract expiration dates.
These new registration periods aim to ensure that all participating clubs have equal opportunities to field their best possible squads.
The initial window will open from June 1 to June 10, 2025, allowing all 32 qualified clubs to register new players specifically for the Club World Cup.
According to FIFA, this period gives clubs a chance to finalize transfers, reinforce their rosters, and submit their final squad lists by the June 10 deadline.
“This special window ensures that clubs from all confederations can prepare adequately and compete on a level playing field,” a FIFA spokesperson said in an official release.
In an unprecedented move, FIFA will also allow a second, limited transfer window during the tournament itself.
From June 27 to July 3, clubs that progress beyond the group stage will be permitted to make up to two changes to their squads.
This provision is particularly aimed at replacing players whose contracts may expire at the end of June.
Teams must maintain the maximum squad size of 35 players and cannot exceed that limit during the update.
The move is expected to ease concerns for clubs with players transitioning between contracts or returning from injuries mid-tournament.
The announcement has been well-received across the football world, particularly by clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) like Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders, who will be representing North America.
The windows provide an opportunity for mid-season reinforcements, crucial for leagues whose transfer periods may not align with the Club World Cup calendar.
Football analysts see this as a positive step toward ensuring a balanced and competitive tournament, while also accommodating the complex realities of global football scheduling.
The 2025 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup will be the first of its kind, featuring an expanded format with 32 clubs from every continental confederation.
The introduction of special transfer windows underlines FIFA’s commitment to adapting its regulations to meet the evolving demands of modern football and to deliver a high-quality, fair tournament.
With the tournament just weeks away, clubs are already strategizing on potential signings and squad adjustments — all with an eye on lifting the trophy in July and making history in what is set to be the most ambitious Club World Cup yet.
