Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami is set to kick off the 2025 Club World Cup with a match against Egyptian club Al Ahly, marking the start of FIFA’s revamped competition. This tournament will also feature a highly anticipated clash between Kylian Mbappé’s Real Madrid and Neymar’s Al-Hilal in the group stage. The draw for the competition took place in Miami, setting the stage for an exciting showcase of global football talent.
The 2025 Club World Cup, a 32-team event, will be hosted in the United States from June 15 to July 13, using 12 stadiums across 11 cities. The final is scheduled at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will also host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. This iteration of the tournament, championed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, represents a significant expansion from its traditional format and has drawn criticism and legal challenges, including those from players’ unions.
The tournament’s group stage draw divided the 32 teams into eight groups of four. Each group winner and runner-up will progress to the knockout rounds, following a format similar to the FIFA World Cup used from 1998 to 2022. The participating teams represent various confederations, with Europe securing 12 spots, South America six, and Africa, Asia, and North America four each. Oceania is represented by one team, and host nation privileges add an additional North American team, Inter Miami, to the mix.
Group A features Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, and Inter Miami. Inter Miami’s selection has been a point of contention, especially after their early exit from the MLS playoffs this season. Critics argue that their inclusion primarily serves to ensure Messi’s participation. Nevertheless, MLS commissioner Don Garber defended the decision, emphasizing its potential to boost global visibility for Major League Soccer.
Group B includes Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, Botafogo, and Seattle Sounders. Seattle qualified as winners of the 2022 Concacaf Champions League, while PSG and Atlético Madrid promise a high-profile matchup. Group C boasts European powerhouse Bayern Munich, New Zealand’s Auckland City, Argentina’s Boca Juniors, and Portugal’s Benfica.
Group D is headlined by Flamengo, Chelsea, Esperance Tunis, and Club Leon. Chelsea and Flamengo, two heavyweights, will aim to progress to the knockout stage. Group E consists of River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, and Internazionale, promising competitive fixtures among teams from diverse regions.
Group F features Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, and Mamelodi Sundowns, while Group G is highlighted by Manchester City, Wydad AC, Al Ain, and Juventus. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will face tough competition, including Italian giants Juventus. Group H includes Real Madrid, Al-Hilal, Pachuca, and Salzburg. The match between Real Madrid and Al-Hilal is particularly notable, as it pits Mbappé against Neymar, two of football’s biggest stars.
The inclusion of 32 teams underscores FIFA’s ambition to create a truly global club competition, but it also raises logistical and competitive challenges. Legal hurdles and criticism regarding the expanded format continue to loom over the event. However, FIFA has emphasized the tournament’s inclusivity, bringing together the best clubs and players from around the world.
This summer’s event will offer fans a unique opportunity to witness cross-continental club football on a grand stage. The mix of established giants, emerging contenders, and the world-class players involved ensures that the 2025 Club World Cup will be a landmark event in global football.
