Inter Miami’s Club World Cup Journey: Jorge Mas Addresses ‘No Controversy’ Over Qualification
Inter Miami CF is gearing up for one of the biggest stages in global soccer, and co-owner Jorge Mas is making it clear: there’s no room for debate about their place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. After a historic 2024 season that saw the Herons dominate Major League Soccer (MLS) and beyond, Mas is confident his team has earned their spot among the world’s elite.
“There’s no controversy,” Mas stated emphatically while attending the Club World Cup draw in Miami. “One of our goals for 2024 was to qualify for the Club World Cup, especially on the heels of winning the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and setting the league record for most points in a single season.”
And what a season it was. Inter Miami didn’t just win trophies—they rewrote the MLS record books. While they fell short of clinching the MLS Cup, their achievements were enough to secure a coveted spot in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, which kicks off in June 2025.
Breaking Down the Group Stage
Inter Miami’s path to global glory won’t be easy. The draw placed them in Group A alongside some of the toughest competition in the tournament: Brazil’s Palmeiras, Portugal’s FC Porto, and Egypt’s Al Ahly SC. The Herons will open the tournament on June 15 with a high-stakes clash against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
“It’s a difficult group that presents challenges, but I am very hopeful to compete,” Mas said. “A good tournament for the team would be to make it out of the group stage and compete. Our first objective is to make it out of the group stage and then compete with those who qualify to the next round.”
For fans of Lionel Messi, this is another chance to see the Argentine legend shine on the world stage. Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, has already transformed the club into a global powerhouse. Now, he’ll look to lead the team against some of the best clubs in the world.
How Inter Miami Qualified
FIFA officially awarded Inter Miami the final Concacaf spot for the Club World Cup on October 18, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino making the announcement at Chase Stadium. The Herons join Seattle Sounders FC, CF Monterrey, Club Leon, and CF Pachuca as the North American representatives in the tournament.
Mas emphasized that the team’s qualification was no fluke. Winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, along with their record-breaking MLS season, solidified their place among the best in the region. Now, they’ll have the chance to prove themselves on a global stage.
Preparing for the Challenge
To ensure the team is ready for the grueling schedule ahead, Mas revealed plans to build the strongest roster possible and carefully manage the 2025 preseason. “We will start early this year because I think we have Concacaf Champions Cup games early in February, so we will start our preseason in the first week of January,” Mas explained. “This team will go on tour. It will be a well-organized tour that considers the necessities of our players and head coach Javier Mascherano.”
Mas also addressed criticism of the team’s 2024 preseason global tour, which some—including Messi—felt was too demanding. This time around, the tour will be shorter and feature matches against “important” rivals to ensure players are in peak condition for the season ahead.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
The Club World Cup is just one of several competitions on Inter Miami’s packed 2025 calendar. In addition to the tournament, the Herons will compete in the Leagues Cup, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the MLS regular season. It’s a daunting schedule, but Mas is confident the team is up to the challenge.
“We learned from last year, and the most important thing for us is the health of our players,” Mas said. “We are also a global team. Around the world, people want to see the pink of Inter Miami.”
With Messi leading the charge and a roster built to compete at the highest level, Inter Miami is poised to make waves in 2025. Whether they can navigate the challenges of Group A and advance in the Club World Cup remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Herons are ready to take flight on the world stage.
Key Takeaways
- Inter Miami qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after a record-breaking 2024 season.
- The team is in Group A with Palmeiras, FC Porto, and Al Ahly SC.
- Inter Miami will open the tournament on June 15 against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium.
- Co-owner Jorge Mas emphasized the importance of player health and a strong preseason.
As the countdown to the Club World Cup begins, all eyes will be on Inter Miami. Can they rise to the occasion and prove they belong among the world’s best? Stay tuned—this is a story you won’t want to miss.
Originally Written by: Tom Hamilton
