The highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is all set to commence on Saturday, June 14, with a landmark opening clash between African powerhouse Al Ahly and Inter Miami, the debutant club led by football icon Lionel Messi. This historic fixture marks the beginning of a reimagined tournament format, part of a sweeping expansion directed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
For the first time, the Club World Cup will feature 32 clubs in a format closely resembling the FIFA World Cup for national teams. This updated structure introduces group-stage knockout rounds, elevating the competitive stakes from the very first whistle.
Expanded format brings global representation
The tournament is divided into eight groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the Round of 16. FIFA’s revamped model ensures every confederation is represented:
UEFA (Europe): 12 teams
CONMEBOL (South America): 6 teams
CAF (Africa), AFC (Asia), CONCACAF: 4 teams each
OFC (Oceania): 1 team
MLS (USA): 1 additional team as host representative
Where and When: Opening match details
The tournament’s curtain-raiser will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It is a venue renowned for hosting major events including NFL showdowns and world-class concerts. With a capacity exceeding 65,000, it is also one of the key stadiums selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kick-off times across U.S. time zones:
Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 PM
Central Time (CT): 7:00 PM
Mountain Time (MT): 6:00 PM
Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 PM
The match between Inter Miami and Al Ahli will be played at 5:30 AM IST.
MLS makes history with three entrants
For the first time in its history, Major League Soccer will feature three clubs in the competition:
Seattle Sounders (2022 Concacaf Champions League winners)
Los Angeles FC (playoff entry following León’s disqualification)
Inter Miami (host invitation)
In comparison, Mexico’s Liga MX will be represented by just two teams: Monterrey and Pachuca.
European giants remain favorites
While global participation is at priority and broader than ever, European dominance remains evident. Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning UEFA Champions League winner, leads the list of favorites. Other contenders include Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid.
As Infantino aims to elevate the Club World Cup into a globally prestigious competition, this edition marks the dawn of a new era in club football. With Miami chosen for its international significance and rising soccer profile, largely spurred by Messi’s arrival, all eyes will be on the opening night.