The FIFA Club World Cup kicks off its first expanded edition in Florida on Saturday, with Inter Miami set to host Egypt's Al Ahly in a high-stakes opener. The tournament, now featuring 32 teams, marks a milestone in global football as clubs from six continents compete for supremacy.
At a pre-match event, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano and Al Ahly's Jose Riveiro shared the stage with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Brazilian icon Ronaldinho. The spotlight shines brightly on Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, which secured its berth through a late FIFA decision awarding the 2024 MLS Supporters Shield winners a qualification spot. Al Ahly earned its place as 2020/21 CAF Champions League champions.
Riveiro acknowledged the challenge posed by Inter Miami's star power: "We're facing one of football's greatest ever players in Lionel Messi. His influence on the pitch is undeniable." Mascherano emphasized the significance for Miami's young franchise: "Competing with historic clubs is thrilling. For a team as new as ours, this tournament represents an extraordinary opportunity."
The expanded format promises heightened global interest, with matches scheduled across multiple U.S. cities through July 18. Football analysts suggest the revamped competition could reshape club football's economic landscape, particularly in Asian markets where fan engagement continues to surge.
