FIFA’s Newly Expanded Club World Cup: Kicking Off in Miami
The newly expanded Club World Cup is set to make its grand debut in Miami on June 14, promising an electrifying showcase of soccer’s elite, featuring stars like Lionel Messi and powerhouse teams such as Real Madrid. This revamped tournament, hosted in the United States, comes amidst concerns about its fit within an already crowded sports calendar where soccer competes for attention nearly year-round.
FIFA is eager to carve out a significant presence in the club soccer landscape, especially as established competitions like UEFA’s Champions League take center stage. The governing body sees this quadrennial event as an opportunity to elevate club soccer, aiming for it to become as iconic as the World Cup is for international competitions. The organization envisions this as one of the biggest and wealthiest tournaments in the realm of sports.
However, the launch of this comprehensive tournament is not free from controversy. Players have voiced concerns about potential burnout, raising questions about fan interest in yet another competition amid a heavily packed schedule.
When is the Club World Cup?
The competition kicks off with Inter Miami facing Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium on June 14. The culmination of the tournament will take place on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
What is the format?
This year, the Club World Cup undergoes a transformation, expanding from seven teams to a hefty 32. The structure mirrors the format of both the men’s and women’s World Cups. Eight groups of four teams will compete in a round-robin mini-league, with the top two teams from each group advancing to a knockout stage that progresses from the round of 16 all the way to the final.
Where is it being played?
Hosting responsibilities for the tournament are spread across several cities in the United States, including Atlanta, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Which teams have qualified?
The tournament features a star-studded lineup with some of Europe’s top clubs, such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Juventus. This year’s Champions League winner, Paris Saint-Germain, and runner-up Inter Milan will also compete.
From South America, notable clubs like Fluminense, Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Botafogo will represent Brazil, while River Plate and Boca Juniors will fly the flag for Argentina. The U.S. competition comes from Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders, and LAFC, alongside Mexican teams Monterrey and Pachuca. Teams from Asia, Africa, and Oceania will also make their mark in the tournament.
However, it’s worth noting the absence of renowned clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester United, which failed to meet FIFA’s qualifying criteria based on continental titles over the past four years.
Who are the players to watch?
When it comes to marquee players, Lionel Messi is, of course, the headline act. The Argentine superstar is looking to add to his illustrious trophy collection, even though Inter Miami is not considered a front-runner for the title.
Fans can look forward to seeing the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham representing Real Madrid alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. Other notable talents include Harry Kane, Lautaro Martínez, Ousmane Dembélé, and Champions League final standout Désiré Doué.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation remains uncertain, as his Saudi team Al Nassr could not qualify. However, speculation swirls around a potential move that could see him feature in the tournament, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino mentioned a unique transfer window.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, will have representation through Al-Hilal, showcasing the nation’s growing influence in global soccer.
Prize money
This tournament comes with a staggering total prize fund of $1 billion, with the winning team poised to claim up to $125 million. FIFA has allocated $525 million in guaranteed fees for participating clubs, scaling from $38.19 million for the top-ranked European team to $3.58 million for the representative from Oceania, Auckland City.
An additional $475 million will be distributed based on performance in the tournament’s 63 games, with $2 million available for winning group stage matches, $7.5 million for progressing to the round of 16, and a whopping $40 million awarded to the ultimate champion.
A point to prove
The previous version of the Club World Cup, held annually, was largely dominated by European teams, with Brazilian club Corinthians being the only one to disrupt Europe’s streak in 17 years. The expanded tournament provides a new opportunity for South American teams to challenge European dominance.
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia’s increased investment in soccer has drawn superstar players, amplifying its ambitions on the global stage. After securing the rights to host the World Cup in 2034, this event will serve as a crucial platform for the nation.
Inter Miami, having already elevated its profile by signing Messi and Luis Suárez, aims to further solidify its reputation within the soccer community. For European giants such as Real Madrid and Manchester City, the Club World Cup offers a chance to redeem an otherwise disappointing season.
How to watch
Soccer fans can catch every match of the Club World Cup streamed live on DAZN.
___
James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
