Inter Miami and Seattle Sounders face giants in FIFA Club World Cup showdown

FIFA has unveiled the groups for the highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States. Featuring 32 teams, the tournament promises to bring some of the world’s biggest soccer powerhouses head-to-head in the quest for the coveted title. For Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders, the mission is to defend the MLS against global giants and showcase the growth of American soccer.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

Balanced groups and major challenges

The Club World Cup in 2025 will have a familiar ring to it: eight groups of four teams, with the top two from each advancing to the Round of 16. The tournament runs from June 15 to July 13, utilizing 12 stadiums across the U.S. The grand finale will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York.

The groups are designed to ensure competitive balance and geographic diversity, featuring teams from every continent. Here's how the groups shape up:

Group A

• Palmeiras (Brazil)
• Porto (Portugal)
• Al Ahly (Egypt)
• Inter Miami CF (USA)

Group B

• Paris Saint-Germain (France)
• Atlético de Madrid (Spain)
• Botafogo (Brazil)
• Seattle Sounders FC (USA)

Group C

• Bayern Munich (Germany)
• Auckland City (New Zealand)
• Boca Juniors (Argentina)
• Benfica (Portugal)

Group D

• Flamengo (Brazil)
• Espérance (Tunisia)
• Chelsea (England)
• Club León (Mexico)

Group E

• River Plate (Argentina)
• Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
• Monterrey (Mexico)
• Inter Milan (Italy)

Group F

• Fluminense (Brazil)
• Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
• Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea)
• Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Group G

• Manchester City (England)
• Wydad AC (Morocco)
• Al Ain (UAE)
• Juventus (Italy)

Group H

• Real Madrid (Spain)
• Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• Pachuca (Mexico)
• FC Salzburg (Austria)

Inter Miami: Messi’s power in Group A

Inter Miami secured its spot as the host representative by winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield with a record-breaking 74 points. In Group A, they face tough opposition from Brazil’s Palmeiras, Portugal’s FC Porto, and Egypt’s Al Ahly.

It is against Al Ahly that Miami will kick off at Hard Rock Stadium, their home turf, and an electric atmosphere is expected for the local fans. 

Seattle Sounders: Resilience and ambition in Group B 

Seattle Sounders face a more difficult test in Group B, where they are pitted against powerhouses like PSG, Atlético de Madrid, and Botafogo. This lineup is one that requires the highest amount of focus from the Sounders right from the start.

The Sounders will play all three of their group stage matches in Seattle at Lumen Field, using their raucous home crowd as a potential difference-maker.

Other groups and key expectations

The tournament is full of clashes that might steal the attention of all viewers worldwide. In Group C, Bayern Munich is pitted against Boca Juniors and Benfica in a fight of styles and tradition. In Group D, Chelsea and Flamengo could very easily come out on top, while in Group E, a face-off between Internazionale and River Plate becomes very interesting.

Group G, with Manchester City and Juventus, will be one of the most technically interesting, while Group H, fronted by Real Madrid and Al Hilal, offers a blend of European and Middle Eastern talent that is seldom seen. American Soccer Impact

Hosting the Club World Cup presents a golden opportunity for MLS to nail its position on the global stage. Matches in iconic venues like the Rose Bowl, Hard Rock Stadium, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium not only showcase American clubs but also bring attention to the league's infrastructure and passionate fanbase.

Performances from Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders will be crucial in highlighting the growth of the league. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming closer, the tournament serves as a stepping stone for American soccer to prove its presence among the world's top leagues.