FIFA’s revamped 32-team Club World Cup will kick off on June 15 with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami taking on Egypt’s Al Ahly in the opening match. The new competition aims to reshape global club football, with Messi’s Miami granted a spot after topping the MLS regular season standings.
Alongside Messi, Group A will feature Brazil’s Palmeiras and Portugal’s Porto. Neymar, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, will lead Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a challenging Group H, where they will face Real Madrid, the reigning European champions.
In Group G, Manchester City will take on Juventus, ensuring a high-profile encounter in the tournament’s early stages. PSG also faces a tough group with Atletico Madrid, Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo, and the Seattle Sounders.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed the new tournament as a new era in club football, hoping it will capture the imagination of fans worldwide. While some critics, including FIFpro and the European Leagues body, have raised concerns over player workload, many clubs, including PSG and Major League Soccer, have expressed strong support.
The draw ceremony, which took place in Miami, featured high-profile figures such as former Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero and model Adriana Lima. US President-elect Donald Trump sent his best wishes via video, praising the event and FIFA president Infantino.
The tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada for the 2026 World Cup, and the final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13. Despite initial challenges in securing sponsorship and broadcast deals, FIFA recently announced a partnership with streaming platform DAZN, which will air the matches for free.
The tournament has gained support from clubs, including PSG, whose president Nasser Al-Khelaifi sees it as a great opportunity to expand their brand in the US. Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber also expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the broad appeal of the competition to global football fans.
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