In an electrifying announcement that has soccer fans buzzing, Inter Miami has been drawn to play Egypt’s Al Ahly in its opening match of the newly revamped Club World Cup. This highly anticipated tournament, set to take place in 2025, will bring together 32 elite teams from around the globe, stretching across 12 different venues in the United States.

The Club World Cup is seen as a major precursor to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. This revamped format offers a unique opportunity for clubs to showcase their talents on an international stage, and President-elect Donald Trump added a dose of celebrity to the draw ceremony, appearing via a pre-recorded video message.

“I’m thrilled to be here, even if it’s virtually,” Trump declared, referring to FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a “very special friend.” He predicted a spectacular event and noted soccer's explosive growth in popularity across the U.S.

While Trump couldn't attend in person, Ivanka Trump made a surprise appearance, pulling the very first team from the draw alongside her son. Their connection to the event drew significant media attention, highlighting the intersection of sports and politics.

Tournament Format: What You Need to Know

The 32 teams have been divided into eight groups of four, with the winners and runners-up progressing to the knockout stages. The grand finale is slated for July 13, lending a climactic finish to a tournament that promises to be full of surprises.

Inter Miami, a club led by global superstar Lionel Messi, faced criticism for being selected to represent the U.S. in spite of not winning the MLS title. Nevertheless, they will share Group A with Brazilian club Palmeiras, Portuguese giants FC Porto, and the Egyptian champs Al Ahly. Their highly anticipated match against Al Ahly is scheduled for June 15 at Miami’s iconic Hard Rock Stadium.

On the other side of the tournament, defending Champions League champions Real Madrid will open their campaign against a challenging group featuring Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, Mexico’s Pachuca, and Austria’s RB Salzburg. The most thrilling clashes are predicted to happen in Group G, where Manchester City will take on the historic Italian club Juventus.

Controversy Surrounding the New Format

The expanded format has not come without its fair share of controversy. Criticism from player unions and league bodies has emerged, citing concerns over the already congested soccer calendar. The organizations argue that this new tournament will impose undue strain on the players.

Gianni Infantino responded to these concerns by addressing them at a FIFA congress, emphasizing that FIFA organizes only a fraction of the world’s top club games, and that the revenues generated are distributed globally, benefiting 211 countries.

Next year’s tournament kicks off just weeks after the Champions League final, featuring an impressive 63 matches. Fans can catch every moment of the action streamed live for free on DAZN, ensuring soccer aficionados around the globe won’t miss a beat.

Full 2025 Club World Cup Group Breakdown:

- Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami - Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders - Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica - Group D: Flamengo, Espérance Sportive de Tunisie, Chelsea, Club León - Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan - Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns - Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al-Ain, Juventus Get ready for a summer of unforgettable soccer! This is your chance to witness the world’s top clubs compete for glory like never before. Who will rise to the occasion? Get your predictions in now!