A fresh format of a soccer tournament is heading to the shores of America.
The revamped Big Money Club World Cup aims to gather 32 teams globally, battling not just for a trophy but also for some serious bragging rights. This includes the game titans from Europe, top Asian and African leagues, and even representatives from Major League Soccer in the U.S.
Set to unfold across 11 cities over 30 days, the event kicks off on June 14th. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will start the tournament in Egypt, leading up to the grand finale at MetLife Stadium on July 13th. Fans can tune in to every match for free on Dazn.
Here’s a brief look at some notable upcoming group stage matches concluding on June 26th.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico Madrid
Group B, Sunday, 3pm, Pasadena, California.
The second day of this expanded tournament showcases a thrilling European clash at the renowned Rose Bowl. PSG recently celebrated a decisive 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League, while Atletico Madrid, known for its relentless counter-attacking style under Diego Simeone, is always a formidable opponent.
Chelsea vs. LAFC
Group D, Monday, 3pm, Atlanta.
LAFC secured its spot in the Club World Cup after a dramatic play-in win against Club America from Mexico. They appear to be in good form this season. Chelsea, boasting one of the priciest rosters globally, just managed to secure fourth place in a rather unimpressive English Premier League campaign. An upset here might provide a rare and exciting glimpse into the tournament’s atmosphere, especially for MLS fans.
Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal
Group H, Wednesday, 3pm, Miami.
No club quite compares with Real Madrid in stature. The lineup features rising stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham, alongside the debut of manager Xabi Alonso. Al Hilal, from Saudi Arabia, shouldn’t be underestimated either.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Borussia Dortmund
Group F, June 21st, noon, Cincinnati.
The Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa’s perennial champions, aim to capture the hearts of fans with their vibrant yellow kits and entertaining style known as “shoe shine and piano.” Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund, who were Champions League runners-up in 2024, might be looking to regain their footing after a less impressive recent season. Group F could prove to be quite competitive.
Fans worldwide can catch the FIFA Club World Cup matches for free on Dazn. Signing up requires just an email address, and no subscription is needed, although a free account is necessary to start streaming.
Dazn also has premium paid features for an enhanced viewing experience, including HDR and Dolby surround sound, with plans starting at $19.99 monthly.
Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras
Group A, June 23rd, 9pm, Miami.
The organizers clearly wanted a star, and Lionel Messi takes center stage here. As he leads Inter Miami in what essentially feels like a home game, they face a Brazilian Palmeiras squad that’s a serious contender. With Messi turning 38 just a day later, it’ll be fascinating to see how he performs.
Juventus vs. Manchester City
Group G, June 26th, 3pm, Orlando, Florida.
This matchup features two heavyweights. Manchester City may not hold its previous top position in world club soccer, but with Pep Guardiola remaining at the helm and adding striker Erling Haaland to their roster, they’re bound to be competitive. Juventus includes American players Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, and both teams could potentially advance to the knockout stage, depending on how the bracket unfolds.
