The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to kick off on Saturday, June 14, with a thrilling opener between Inter Miami and Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The tournament, featuring 32 teams from six continents, promises to be a global football spectacle. With household names, fresh managerial faces, and exciting young talents, the competition is poised to deliver top-tier action over several weeks in the United States.
All eyes will naturally be on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. The Argentine icon leads a squad filled with ambition as they look to navigate through Group A and make a significant impression. They’ll be joined by Al Ahly, Palmeiras, and Porto in what is expected to be a tightly contested group.
Real Madrid enters the competition under the fresh leadership of Xabi Alonso, who takes the reins from the legendary Carlo Ancelotti. The Spanish club has made key signings ahead of the tournament, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. They are also targeting River Plate’s 17-year-old star Franco Mastantuono and Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras as they bolster their already elite squad.
Paris Saint-Germain arrives in the United States as newly crowned European champions, having convincingly beaten Inter Milan in the Champions League final just weeks ago. Their form makes them one of the tournament favorites. Inter, meanwhile, face a period of transition under new coach Christian Chivu, who replaces Simone Inzaghi following his move to Al Hilal.
Group A fixtures include:
- June 14: Al Ahly vs Inter Miami (Miami, 8pm ET)
- June 15: Palmeiras vs Porto (New York/New Jersey, 6pm ET)
- June 19: Palmeiras vs Al Ahly (New York/New Jersey, 12pm ET)
- June 19: Inter Miami vs Porto (Atlanta, 3pm ET)
- June 23: Inter Miami vs Palmeiras (Miami, 9pm ET)
- June 23: Porto vs Al Ahly (New York/New Jersey, 9pm ET)
Group B features PSG, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, and MLS side Seattle Sounders. Matches begin on June 15:
- June 15: PSG vs Atletico Madrid (Pasadena, 3pm ET)
- June 15: Seattle Sounders vs Botafogo (Seattle, 10pm ET)
- June 19: Seattle Sounders vs Atletico Madrid (Seattle, 6pm ET)
- June 19: PSG vs Botafogo (Pasadena, 9pm ET)
- June 26: Seattle Sounders vs PSG (Seattle, 3pm ET)
- June 26: Atletico Madrid vs Botafogo (Pasadena, 3pm ET)
Group C will showcase Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Benfica, and Boca Juniors. Highlights include:
- June 15: Bayern Munich vs Auckland City (Cincinnati, 12pm ET)
- June 16: Boca Juniors vs Benfica (Miami, 6pm ET)
- June 20: Benfica vs Auckland City (Orlando, 12pm ET)
- June 20: Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors (Miami, 9pm ET)
- June 26: Auckland City vs Boca Juniors (Nashville, 3pm ET)
- June 26: Benfica vs Bayern Munich (Charlotte, 3pm ET)
Group D brings together Chelsea, LAFC, Flamengo, and Esperance:
- June 16: Chelsea vs LAFC (Atlanta, 3pm ET)
- June 16: Flamengo vs Esperance (Philadelphia, 9pm ET)
- June 20: Flamengo vs Chelsea (Philadelphia, 2pm ET)
- June 20: LAFC vs Esperance (Nashville, 6pm ET)
- June 24: LAFC vs Flamengo (Orlando, 9pm ET)
- June 24: Esperance vs Chelsea (Philadelphia, 9pm ET)
In Group E, River Plate faces Inter, Monterrey, and Urawa Red Diamonds:
- June 17: River Plate vs Urawa Red Diamonds (Seattle, 3pm ET)
- June 17: Monterrey vs Inter (Los Angeles, 9pm ET)
- June 21: Inter vs Urawa Red Diamonds (Seattle, 3pm ET)
- June 21: River Plate vs Monterrey (Los Angeles, 9pm ET)
- June 25: Inter vs River Plate (Seattle, 9pm ET)
- June 25: Urawa Red Diamonds vs Monterrey (Los Angeles, 9pm ET)
Group F features Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, and Mamelodi Sundowns:
- June 17: Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund (New Jersey, 12pm ET)
- June 17: Ulsan HD vs Mamelodi Sundowns (Orlando, 6pm ET)
- June 21: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund (Cincinnati, 12pm ET)
- June 21: Fluminense vs Ulsan HD (New Jersey, 6pm ET)
- June 25: Borussia Dortmund vs Ulsan HD (Cincinnati, 3pm ET)
- June 25: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense (Florida, 3pm ET)
The stage is set for a vibrant and intense tournament that will showcase the best of club football from every corner of the globe.
