In the aftermath of winning its inaugural Champions League title, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) sets its sights on the coveted FIFA Club World Cup. Adding this prize to its trophy case, which also includes the French league and cup titles this season, would be an impressive feat. The team’s coach, Luis Enrique, emphasized their ambitions by stating, “We want to finish the season in style with the cherry on the cake.”
Already qualified for the revamped Club World Cup in the United States, PSG’s Champions League victory might have provided FIFA some comfort. This new-look tournament, while offering the title of the world’s best club team, interestingly misses several notable contenders from its 32-team lineup, like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Napoli—none meeting the qualifying expectations due to the unique criteria.
FIFA can thank the successes of PSG and Inter Milan in entering the Champions League final, ensuring the Club World Cup’s claim to having elite European champions represented. The qualifying terms revolve around continental trophy wins over the four previous years, yet do not include the immediate past season, allowing teams like Chelsea to participate, having secured their Champions League title back in 2021.
Europe asserts a strong presence with 12 of its clubs, among them Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Inter, and Juventus. The Latin American roster poses significant competition, featuring notably successful teams such as Copa Libertadores champion Botafogo and Brazilian powerhouses Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Fluminense. Argentine sides River Plate and Boca Juniors are present as well, possibly bringing large crowds of traveling supporters.
This enhanced competition format should provide a sterner challenge than its predecessor. The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, promotes it as the inaugural global club soccer championship. Unlike the past, which featured a smaller range of only seven teams, this new structure should promise more serious competition. Despite Europe’s historical dominance, the increasing talent pool in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia—reflected in significant signings like Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami—adds intrigue.
However, the demand for another premier tournament remains uncertain amidst an already jam-packed calendar. Ticket sales reflect a varying interest, shown by price drops as the tournament nears. Promotional offers via partners like Marriott Bonvoy highlight efforts to attract spectators. Broadcast plans have been laid through DAZN, providing 24 matches on TNT across the U.S., though audience engagement levels await to be observed.
As for marquee matchups, Inter Miami, under David Beckham’s ownership, will confront Al Ahly of Egypt in the opener in Miami. In Los Angeles, PSG will battle Atletico Madrid, an encounter worthy of the Champions League’s later rounds. Chelsea stages its debut against LAFC in Atlanta, and in Miami, Real Madrid faces Al-Hilal, which sports notable stars like Aleksandar Mitrovic even after Neymar’s January departure.
Crucially, the tournament will crown its title-holder through high-stakes games such as PSG taking on Botafogo in Los Angeles, and Boca Juniors clashing with Bayern Munich in Miami. Each fixture brings the promise of intense rivalries, stirring moments, and the melding of football cultures as Europe’s elite face Latin America’s best. More excitement is on hand with Inter Milan’s faceoff against River Plate in Seattle and Juventus challenging Manchester City in Orlando, where Pep Guardiola looks to redeem an otherwise empty-handed season with a potential world title.