Miami is about to play host to a landmark moment in football history as the inaugural draw for the reimagined FIFA Club World Cup unfolds on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 1 p.m. ET. This event, taking place in the heart of the Magic City, marks the beginning of a tournament unlike any before, with Lionel Messi poised to grace the occasion.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed on Oct. 18 that Inter Miami CF, Messi’s club, had been invited to participate in this expanded competition. The move ensures that one of the sport’s most iconic figures will be at the forefront of a tournament designed to showcase football’s global allure.
What was once a seven-team competition hosted in a single location has transformed into a 32-team extravaganza. Clubs from six confederations will descend upon the United States, with representatives from UEFA, CONMEBOL, Concacaf, CAF, AFC, and OFC battling for supremacy.
The format is straightforward but intense. The teams are divided into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stages. From the round of 16 onward, it’s a high-stakes sprint to the final, with extra time and penalties deciding any stalemates.
The tournament kicks off on June 15, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and will culminate in a grand finale at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 13, 2025.
The 32 clubs have been seeded into four pots based on their rankings and geographical considerations, setting the stage for intriguing matchups:
Pot 1:
- Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate, Fluminense
Pot 2:
- Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Internazionale, FC Porto, Atlético Madrid, Benfica, Juventus, RB Salzburg
Pot 3:
- Al Hilal, Ulsan Hyundai, Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Monterrey, León, Boca Juniors, Botafogo
Pot 4:
- Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain, Espérance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, Pachuca, Seattle Sounders FC, Auckland City, Inter Miami CF
The draw will ensure geographical diversity, preventing clubs from the same confederation from meeting in the group stage wherever possible.
For many, the tournament’s allure lies in its competitive nature, but the inclusion of Lionel Messi elevates the spectacle to a global phenomenon. The Argentine legend’s presence in the colors of Inter Miami CF offers a unique storyline. His career, already studded with accolades, now has a new chapter in the form of the Club World Cup, representing not just his club but the growth of football in North America.
Inter Miami, placed in Pot 4, could face heavyweights like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, setting the stage for David vs. Goliath encounters.
The world will be watching as the draw unfolds, with fans speculating on dream matchups and potential group-stage clashes. Will Messi’s Miami face his old foes in Europe? Could we see Flamengo square off with Chelsea? Or perhaps an African giant like Al Ahly taking on Paris Saint-Germain?
This new format, FIFA’s most ambitious yet, promises thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. The draw in Miami is just the beginning of what is shaping up to be a month-long celebration of the world’s game.
The countdown to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup begins now. Football’s greatest clubs prepare for the battle to crown the world’s best.
