World's best clubs begin battle for global supremacy at 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Starting this Sunday, the best football clubs from around the world will battle it out in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Image: Supplied
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will kick off on Sunday, as some of the world's top teams battle over the next four weeks for the prestigious title of world champions.
This year's tournament marks the first-ever expanded edition, with as many as 32 teams set to compete under the new format. Each team will be aiming to become the first to lift the trophy in this revamped system.
Independent Media takes a deeper look at Sunday fixtures.
Al Ahly vs Inter Miami
Player to watch: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Inter Miami's Argentine forward Lionel Messi runs with the ball during the Major League Soccer match between Inter Miami and Montreal at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 28. Ticket sales for the opening match this weekend are slow despite Messi's star pulling power.
Image: CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP
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Fresh off their heartbreaking exit from this year's CAF Champions League semifinals — where they were eliminated by Mamelodi Sundowns (1-1) on away goals — Egyptian giants Al Ahly remain a dominant force on the African continent. Now, they will test their strength against the world's best clubs, starting with the United States' Inter Miami.
Al Ahly recently appointed former Orlando Pirates coach, Spanish tactician Jose Riveiro, as their new head coach replacing Marcel Koller. Their opening challenge will be a tough one against an Inter Miami side loaded with world-class talent and experience.
Inter Miami features global stars such as Luis Suarez and former Barcelona icon Sergio Busquets. With both teams eager to start the tournament on a strong note, this encounter promises to be filled with quality and intensity.
Bayern Munich vs Auckland City
Player to watch: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich's Harry Kane reacts during the German Super Cup against RB Leipzig. Bayern Munich's Harry Kane reacts during the German Super Cup against RB Leipzig. Picture: Christof Stache/AFP
Image: Christof Stache/AFP
Under the leadership of Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich have bounced back strongly after finishing third behind VfB Stuttgart and Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 Bundesliga season. Kompany guided the German giants back to domestic glory, reclaiming the Bundesliga title.
Leading the attack will be Harry Kane, who enjoyed a standout season, netting 26 league goals to help Bayern reclaim the title — his first major piece of silverware after several near-misses with Tottenham Hotspur. Kane will now look to add another trophy to Bayern's rich history on the global stage.
Having previously won the Club World Cup in 2014 and 2021, Bayern Munich will face a relatively unknown opponent in Auckland City. The New Zealanders, known for their organization and fearless approach, will need to deliver a near-perfect performance to overcome one of the most formidable teams in world football.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs Atletico Madrid
Player to watch: Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele shoots during their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg match match against Aston Villa.
Image: Paul Ellis / AFP
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