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)
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)
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)
Arguably the highlight of Sunday’s fixtures, newly crowned UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will have the chance to build on their recent European triumph and aim to cement their status as the world’s best club.
Under Luis Enrique’s guidance, PSG finally overcame their Champions League curse, lifting the trophy for the first time after many failed attempts. Their historic victory was sealed with a commanding 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the final.
However, PSG will face a tough opening test against a battle-hardened Atletico Madrid side led by the ever-determined Diego Simeone. The Spanish side are no strangers to the top stage and will be looking to continue their strong form.
When these two teams last met during the recent Champions League campaign, Atletico secured a narrow 2-1 victory, and very little separates them coming into this contest. Both teams will be eager to start their Club World Cup campaign with a statement performance.
