Miami: The expanded FIFA Club World Cup kicks off on Sunday in the United States with the opening match in Miami, where Inter Miami will face Al Ahly from Egypt at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
According to Emirates News Agency, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup begins with a landmark encounter between Inter Miami and Al Ahly SC, marking the debut of both clubs in the revamped 32-team tournament. This 21st edition of the Club World Cup includes Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, competing in 63 matches over 29 days.
For Inter Miami, this is their first appearance in the Club World Cup, propelled by Lionel Messi's global appeal. Meanwhile, Al Ahly enters as the most decorated African club, aiming to assert its pedigree on football's newest global stage.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 features winners of the top continental club competitions from 2021 to 2024. A total of 32 clubs from around the world are vying for the title that will crown them kings of the globe for the next four years.
The tournament will be played at 12 sites across the U.S., including Miami Gardens, from June 14 to July 13. Five teams from the Middle East and North Africa are set to compete, showcasing the rise of Arab teams on the global stage. These teams include Al Ahly (Egypt), Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Al Ain (United Arab Emirates), Wydad AC (Morocco), and Esp©rance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia).
Europe has the largest share of participation in this edition, with 12 clubs, followed by six South American clubs. Additionally, there are four clubs each from Africa, Asia, and North America, one club from Oceania, and two teams from the United States: Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC.
The tournament will be officiated by 117 referees representing 41 FIFA member associations, forming the largest refereeing team ever assembled at a global club tournament. A total of 63 matches will be played across the U.S., culminating in the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The last edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, held in 2023, saw English giants Manchester City win the seven-team tournament. Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid are the most successful team in the history of the tournament, having won it five times.