Messi and Inter Miami Set to Kick Off Expanded Club World Cup Against Al Ahly
Get ready, soccer fans! The stage is set, and the excitement is building as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF prepare to open the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. The tournament, which will feature 32 teams for the first time, promises to be a spectacle like no other, and it’s all happening right here in the United States next summer.
The draw for the tournament took place Thursday in Miami, where the participating teams discovered their group-stage opponents. For Inter Miami, the challenge is clear: they’ll face Al Ahly, Palmeiras, and FC Porto in Group A. The action kicks off on June 15, with the final scheduled for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey—the same venue that will host the 2026 World Cup final. Talk about a warm-up for the big stage!
What’s New in the Club World Cup?
This year’s tournament marks a significant shift in format. FIFA has expanded the competition to 32 teams, mirroring the structure of the FIFA World Cup from 1998 to 2022. The teams are divided into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to a knockout round of 16. It’s a format designed to bring more inclusivity and global representation to the event.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized this point, saying, “It’s about inclusivity, it’s about bringing clubs from all over the world, the 32 best clubs and best players from all over the world together.”
But not everyone is convinced. Critics have questioned whether the tournament truly features the “32 best” clubs, especially with Inter Miami’s inclusion. The team, which represents the host nation, was selected despite a lackluster MLS season that saw them crash out in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs. This decision has sparked debate, with some arguing that other MLS teams were more deserving of the spot.
Inter Miami’s Controversial Inclusion
Inter Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, was quick to defend the team’s place in the tournament. “There’s no controversy,” Mas said. He also highlighted the significance of Miami hosting the opening match, calling it “a testament to our community, the soccer culture that’s here.”
MLS Commissioner Don Garber echoed this sentiment, stating, “There is no rule that said the MLS Cup winner needs to be in the Club World Cup. I have no interest in anything other than what I think is going to be best for the showcase, best for our league. I am supportive of the decision that FIFA made and I’m excited to put Miami and Seattle in a global media deal and be shown around the world.”
Seattle Sounders, the other MLS representative, earned their spot through qualification. Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s inclusion as the host nation’s representative is a unique feature of this year’s tournament and is expected to rotate in future editions.
Star-Studded Lineup of Clubs
The expanded Club World Cup boasts an impressive lineup of clubs from around the globe. Here’s a quick look at some of the heavyweights:
- Europe: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Internazionale
- South America: Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate, Fluminense
- North America: Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami
With such a star-studded field, the tournament is shaping up to be a must-watch event for soccer fans everywhere. And let’s not forget the added intrigue of seeing Messi, one of the greatest players of all time, leading Inter Miami on the global stage.
Group Stage Breakdown
Here’s how the groups stack up after Thursday’s draw:
- Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
- Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle
- Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
- Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon
- Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan
- Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns
- Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus
- Group H: Real Madrid, Al-Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg
With so many intriguing matchups, the group stage alone promises plenty of drama and excitement. And with the knockout rounds to follow, the stakes will only get higher as the tournament progresses.
Looking Ahead
For Inter Miami, the journey begins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It’s a fitting stage for a team that has quickly become a symbol of soccer’s growth in the United States. As Jorge Mas put it, “Who would have told us five years ago, with no club, that we’d be here today at a draw with the best teams in the world? That’s what we aspire to. That’s what we dream of.”
Dreams aside, the reality is that Inter Miami will face stiff competition in Group A. But with Messi leading the charge, anything is possible. One thing’s for sure: the expanded Club World Cup is set to be a summer to remember.
Originally Written by: Tim Reynolds
