Inter Miami has secured a coveted spot in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, earning the right to host the tournament’s opening match at Hard Rock Stadium on June 15. The team’s selection, announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at Inter Miami’s regular season finale, marks a significant milestone for the club and MLS.
FIFA chose Inter Miami as the host country representative based on their 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield win, recognizing their outstanding regular season performance. This decision prioritized the Supporters’ Shield over the MLS Cup, aligning with global soccer norms where regular season champions are typically honored.
The presence of global soccer icon Lionel Messi in Inter Miami’s roster undoubtedly enhanced the team’s appeal for this prestigious tournament. Infantino, attending the announcement in person, emphasized the importance of Miami’s passionate fanbase and the city’s status as a football hub in securing this opportunity.
Inter Miami joins the Seattle Sounders as one of two MLS teams in the 32-team field. The tournament, spanning from June 15 to July 13, 2025, will be held across 12 venues in the United States, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The expanded Club World Cup features an impressive lineup of global soccer powerhouses, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and South American giants like River Plate and Boca Juniors. The tournament structure includes 12 European clubs, six from South America, four each from Africa and Asia, one from Oceania, and the host country representative.
This selection not only highlights Inter Miami’s rapid rise in MLS but also underscores the growing global appeal of the league. The tournament presents a unique opportunity for Inter Miami and MLS to showcase their quality against some of the world’s best clubs, potentially reshaping perceptions of North American soccer on the international stage.
As preparations begin for this landmark event, soccer fans around the world eagerly anticipate seeing Messi and his Inter Miami teammates compete against elite global competition in what promises to be a spectacular celebration of club football.
