FIFA president Gianni Infantino has officially announced that Inter Miami, Lionel Messi’s club, will be the host team for the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
This upcoming edition, set to feature 32 teams, will take place in the United States between June and July.
Infantino confirmed the news following Inter Miami’s dominant 6-2 victory over New England Revolution in their final match of the 2024 MLS regular season.
This win secured Miami the MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record, and set a new points record for a single MLS campaign.
Best Team of the Season in America
In his post-match speech at Chase Stadium, Infantino praised the team, saying, “Miami loves football, the world loves football, and the world loves Miami. Congratulations on winning the Supporters’ Shield with a record-breaking season. You are the best team of the season in America.”
He added, “Based on your exceptional performance, you have earned qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
As the host team, you will have the honor of playing the tournament’s opening game at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium in front of 65,000 fans and millions of viewers worldwide.”
Miami’s Qualification Stirs Debate
Despite Miami’s achievement, some fans have expressed dissatisfaction since winning the Supporters’ Shield doesn’t make them the overall MLS champions.
The 2024 MLS Cup playoffs will determine the league’s official champion, with 18 teams competing for the title.
However, Messi’s presence in the Club World Cup is expected to generate major excitement and help FIFA secure crucial broadcasting deals for the revamped competition, as the organization has faced challenges selling TV rights.
2025 Club World Cup Teams and Host Cities
With Inter Miami’s confirmation, 31 of the 32 available spots for the 2025 Club World Cup have been filled. The final place will go to the winner of the 2024 Copa Libertadores, currently at the semi-final stage, with teams such as Atlético Mineiro, Botafogo, River Plate, and Peñarol still in contention.
Participating teams come from across the globe, including clubs from:
–Africa (CAF):Al Ahly, Wydad AC, Espérance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns
–Asia (AFC): Al Ain, Al-Hilal, Ulsan HD, Urawa Red Diamonds
–Europe (UEFA): Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Porto, RB Salzburg, Real Madrid
–CONCACAF: Club León, Inter Miami, Monterrey, Pachuca, Seattle Sounders
–South America (CONMEBOL): Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Fluminense, Palmeiras, River Plate
–Oceania (OFC): Auckland City
The tournament will be hosted in various US cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, New York-New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, DC.
Club World Cup Draw
The official draw for the 2025 Club World Cup is expected in December 2024, though FIFA has yet to confirm the exact date.
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