Club World Cup Fan Guide: Groups, Players to Watch, South Florida Watch Parties
The $1 billion Club World Cup kicks off Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium with Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates facing Egyptian power Al Ahly. After much debate about qualification rules and player overload due to an ever-expanding FIFA calendar, 32 of the best club teams in the world will vie for supremacy over the next month, with the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The tournament will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer.
Here is everything you need to know about the Club World Cup…
Where is the tournament being played?
Atlanta, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle, Washington, D.C.
What is the format?
Eight groups of four play a round-robin stage and the top two from each group advance to the knockout stage. The previous version of the Club World Cup had just seven teams and they played seven matches across 11 days. This one includes 32 teams and 63 matches over 29 days
Club World Cup groups
A: Al Ahly (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA), Palmeiras (Brazil), Porto (Portugal)
B: Atletico Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), PSG (France), Seattle Sounders (USA)
C: Auckland City (New Zealand), Bayern Munich (Germany), Benfica (Portugal), Boca Juniors (Argentina)
D: Chelsea (England), ES Tunis (Tunisia), Flamengo (Brazil), LA Galaxy (USA)
E: Inter Milan (Italy), Monterrey (Mexico), River Plate (Argentina), Urawa Reds (Japan)
F: Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Fluminense (Brazil), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Ulsan (South Korea)
G: Al Ain (UAE), Juventus (Italy), Manchester City (England), Wydad AC (Morocco)
H: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Pachuca (Mexico), Real Madrid (Spain), Salzburg (Austria)
Games at Hard Rock Stadium
Six group stage matches and two Round of 16 games will be held at Hard Rock Stadium.
June 14, 8 p.m.: Inter Miami (USA) vs. Al Ahly (Egypt)
June 16, 6 p.m.: Boca Juniors (Argentina) vs. Benfica (Portugal)
June 18, 3 p.m.: Real Madrid (Spain) vs. Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
June 20, 9 p.m.: Bayern Munich (Germany) vs. Boca Juniors (Argentina)
June 23, 9 p.m.: Inter Miami (USA) vs. Palmeiras (Brazil)
June 25: 3 p.m.: Fluminense (Brazil) vs. Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
June 29, 6 p.m. Round of 16 match 1D vs. 2C (Chelsea is in Group D)
July 1, 3 p.m.: Round of 16 match 1H vs. 2G (Real Madrid is in Group H)
Inter Miami’s second group game will be vs. Porto of Portugal on June 19 in Atlanta.
Prize Money Breakdown
The total prize money is $1 billion with the winning team earning as much as $125 million. $525 million is guaranteed for participation (MLS teams Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders, LAFC get $9.55 million each just for appearing). The rest is distributed based on match results. $2 million for winning group stage games, $1 million for ties, $7.5 million for playing in the Round of 16, $13.1 million for quarterfinalists, $21 million for semifinalists, $30 million for finalists and $40 million for the champion.
Venues/Host Cities
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens)
Met Life Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Lumen Field (Seattle): The Sounders will play all three of their home matches there.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
TQL Stadium (Cincinnati)
Rose Bowl Stadium (Los Angeles)
GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tennessee)
Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando)
Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
Audi Field (Washington, D.C.).
Players to Watch
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): The Argentine legend will celebrate his 38th birthday during the Club World Cup and has shown that he hasn’t lost his touch. It remains to be seen whether his team can compete with the world’s elite clubs, but Messi surely is up to the task.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): French star finished with 42 goals in all competitions in his first season with Madrid, broke Iván Zamorano’s record for the most goals in a debut season and won European Golden Boot.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): The 31-year-old England captain scored 37 goals across all competitions (26 in 31 Bundesliga appearances and 11 in 13 UEFA Champions League games). He also had 11 assists.
Omar Marmoush (Manchester City): Egyptian forward left Eintracht Frankfurt in January and made an immediate impact at Man City with eight goals in 22 games.
Désiré Doué (PSG): French 20-year-old was Man of the Match (a pair of goals and an assist) in the Champions League final and was instrumental in PSG winning the quadruple (Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, Champions League).
Franco Mastantuono (River Plate): This 17-year-old midfielder is already being anointed as the next great player out of Argentina after becoming the youngest player ever to appear in an official game for the senior national team. He is reportedly headed to Real Madrid for a $45 million transfer fee after being wooed by PSG and Manchester United.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea): Left his childhood club Manchester City for Chelsea in 2023 and went on to score 40 goals across all competitions over the past two seasons.
Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan): The Argentine has scored 20-plus goals in five of the past six seasons, won Serie A Most Valuable Player and won the Golden Boot while leading Argentina to the 2024 Copa America title.
Estevao (Palmeiras): This 18-year-old Brazilian is Palmeiras’ leading scorer this season, with eight goals in all competitions so far in 2025. He has made four appearances for the Brazilian national team and is headed to Chelsea for a reported $68 million transfer fee.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Norwegian 24-year-old has won the Golden Boot at the U-20 World Cup, UEFA Nations League (twice), Premier League (twice) and Champions League (twice).
Others to keep an eye on: Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Rodri (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Karim Konate (Salzburg), Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Fidel Ambriz (Monterrey), Jamie Gittens (Dortmund), Kaua Elias (Flumeninse), Amanallah Memmiche (Tunis)
How did teams qualify?
Each confederation was awarded a set number of places based upon its strength. UEFA has 12 slots, CONMEBOL six. Four each for Concacaf, Asia and Africa, plus one for Oceania. There was also a spot reserved for the host country, which FIFA granted to Inter Miami as winner of the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield for best regular season record. It also didn’t hurt that Messi is a world legend and big draw wherever he plays.
Inter Miami’s selection for the tournament was controversial because the team has not won an MLS Cup, but league commissioner Don Garber defended FIFA’s decision.
“I think it’s exciting and I’m glad that we have a showcase for Miami,” Garber said. “This is FIFA’s tournament, and they picked a host. They have the right to do that..there was no rule that said the MLS Cup winner needs to be in the Club World Cup.
“I think it was smart. I’m excited about putting Miami up in a showcase around the world to kick off the Club World Cup in our country, in our stadiums as a launch to the World Cup and I couldn’t be more excited about it.”
How to watch the Club World Cup
All 63 matches will be livestreamed for free on DAZN.com. Twenty-four games will also be shown on TNT, TBS, TruTV in English. Univision and TUDN will show games in Spanish.
How to get tickets
Club World Cup tickets are available at FIFA.com/tickets and at secondary online markets such as StubHub and Vivid Seats.
South Florida Watch Parties
Grails Wynwood, 2800 N Miami Ave, Miami 33127. 70+ HD TVs and passionate fans.
Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables 33134. Great spot for all matches, special pre-game party for Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors June 20.
The Clevelander Fan Fest, 1020 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, 33139. Non-stop events from June 14-25, Clevelander is bringing big game energy to the beach.
Daily Match Watch Parties at 2PM (earlier for select games) will feature immersive viewing experiences and global fan energy.
Muchachos Rooftop Parties (June 15–17) Iconic rooftop becomes ground zero for Argentina’s biggest supporters. Themed Argentine-style parties will feature late-night DJ sets, fan chants, and a soundtrack of fútbol anthems that carry well into the night.
Futuro Miami (June 18, 7 PM–3 AM), bringing the iconic Futuro Anterior party series to Miami for the first time with DJs Martin Huergo, Nico Moon, Nomad Soul, and Gianni Luciano.
For more information on the Fanfest Parties, visit www.clevelander.com or call (305) 532-4006.
Biscayne Bay Brewing, 100 NE 1st Ave Third Floor, Miami 33132. Big screens, drink specials.
Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW 2nd Ave, Miami 33127. Lots of big screens, drink specials and sponsor activations. Hosting Casa Palmeiras, the Palmeiras fan zone, from June 19 to June 23. Showing every match, from June 14 to July 13.
Cervecería La Tropical Wynwood, 42 NE 25th St, Miami, FL 33137. Craft beer, diehard soccer fans, big patio screen with live music before and after.
Batch Gastropub, 30 SW 12th St, Miami 33130. Showing all Inter Miami matches, Round of 16 games, quarterfinals, semifinals and final on 25 TVs and huge projection screen
The Doral Yard: 8455 NW 53rd St. Doral 33166. Watch Al Ahly FC take on Inter Miami June 14. Multiple giant screens, indoor and outdoor. Free admission, drink specials. Table reservations require separate booking through the venue’s reservation system. For information, call (786) 843-5106
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, 20 W Las Olas Blvd Fort Lauderdale 33301: Join us for Game 1 of the FIFA Club World Cup as Inter Miami takes on Al Ahly FC. Whether you’re backing Messi and the Miami squad or cheering for the pride of Egypt, come soak in the energy, wear your colors, and experience the thrill with your fellow soccer fans. Call (954) 372-7606, or email hello@wharfftl.com
Biergarten Boca Raton, 309 Via de Palmas, # 90, Boca Raton, Florida 33432.
German club Bayern Munich is hosting two events for South Florida fans: Soccer camp for children ages 6-18 from June 18 to June 20 at 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Kendall Soccer Park, 8011 SW 127th Ave, Miami. Former player Giovane Elber will attend a session TBA. Register here or visit pinecrestpremier.com
Also, BUNDESLIGA HAUS - TOP BALLER June 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. Brickell Soccer & Padel, 301 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130. Former player Giovane Elber will attend. Open door no need to register.
Club World Cup full match schedule
Sat. June 14
Group A: Al Ahly v Inter Miami – 8 p.m.
Sun. June 15
Group C: FC Bayern Munich v Auckland City – 2 p.m.
Group B: PSG v Atlético de Madrid – noon
Group A: Palmeiras v Porto – 6 p.m.
Group B: Botafogo v Seattle Sounders – 7 p.m.
Mon. June 16
Group D: Chelsea v LAFC – 3 p.m.
Group C: Boca Juniors v Benfica – 6 p.m.
Group D: Flamengo v ES de Tunis – 9 p.m.
Tues. June 17
Group F: Fluminense v Borussia Dortmund – noon
Group E: River Plate v Urawa Red Diamonds – noon
Group F: Ulsan HD v Mamelodi Sundowns – 6 p.m.
Group E: Monterrey v Inter Milan – 6 p.m.
Wed. June 18
Group G: Manchester City v Wydad AC – noon
Group H: Real Madrid v Al Hilal – 3 p.m.
Group H: Pachuca v Salzburg – 6 p.m.
Group G: Al Ain v Juventus – 9 p.m.
Thur. June 19
Group A: Palmeiras v Al Ahly – noon
Group A: Inter Miami v Porto – 3 p.m.
Group B: Seattle Sounders v Atlético de Madrid – 3 p.m.
Group B: PSG v Botafogo – 6 p.m.
Fri. June 20
Group C: Benfica v Auckland City – noon
Group D: Flamengo v Chelsea – 2 p.m.
Group D: LAFC v ES de Tunis – 5 p.m.
Group C: Bayern Munich v Boca Juniors – 9 p.m.
Sat. June 21
Group F: Mamelodi Sundowns v Borussia Dortmund – noon
Group E: Inter Milan v Urawa Red Diamonds – noon
Group F: Fluminense v Ulsan – 6 p.m.
Group E: River Plate v Monterrey – 6 p.m.
Sun. June 22
Group G: Juventus v Wydad AC – noon
Group H: Real Madrid v Pachuca – 3 p.m.
Group H: Salzburg v Al Hilal – 6 p.m.
Group G: Manchester City v Al Ain – 9 p.m.
Mon. June 23
Group B: Seattle Sounders v PSG – noon
Group B: Atlético de Madrid v Botafogo – noon
Group A: Inter Miami v Palmeiras – 9 p.m.
Group A: Porto v Al Ahly – 9 p.m.
Tues. June 24
Group C: Auckland City v Boca Juniors – 2 p.m.
Group C: Benfica v Bayern Munich – 3 p.m.
Group D: LAFC v Flamengo – 9 p.m.
Group D: ES de Tunis v Chelsea – 9 p.m.
Wed. June 25
Group F: Borussia Dortmund v Ulsan – 3 p.m.
Group F: Mamelodi Sundowns v Fluminense – 3 p.m.
Group E: Inter Milan v River Plate – 6 p.m.
Group E: Urawa Red Diamonds v Monterrey – 6 p.m.
Thur. June 26
Group G: Juventus v Manchester City – 3 p.m.
Group G: Wydad AC v Al Ain FC – 3 p.m.
Group H: Al Hilal v Pachuca – 8 p.m.
Group H: Salzburg v Real Madrid – 9 p.m.
Sat. June 28
Match 49: Group A winners v Group B runners-up – noon
Match 50: Group C winners v Group D runners-up – 4 p.m.
Sun. June 29
Match 51: Group B winners v Group A runners-up – noon
Match 52: Group D winners v Group C runners-up – 4 p.m.
Mon. June 30
Match 53: Group E winners v Group F runners-up – 3 p.m.
Match 54: Group G winners v Group H runners-up – 9 p.m.
Tues. July 1
Match 55: Group H winners v Group G runners-up – 3 p.m.
Match 56: Group F winners v Group E runners-up – 9 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Fri. July 4
Match 57: Winner match 53 v Winner match 54 – 3 p.m.
Match 58: Winner match 49 v Winner match 50 – 9 p.m.
Sat. July 5
Match 59: Winner match 51 v Winner match 52 – noon
Match 60: Winner match 55 v Winner match 56 – 4 p.m.
Semifinals
Tues. July 8
Match 61: Winner match 57 v Winner match 58 – 3 p.m.
Wed. July 9
Match 62: Winner match 59 v Winner match 60 – 3 p.m.
FIFA Club World Cup Final
Sun. July 13
Match 63: Winner match 61 v Winner match 62 – 3 p.m.
This story was originally published June 8, 2025 at 9:27 AM.