FIFA Club World Cup Opens in Florida with Global Attendance

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off in Florida with the opening match between Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, and Egyptian club Al Ahly, ending in a 0-0 draw that highlighted Al Ahly's defensive strength despite Messi's efforts. FIFA, under President Gianni Infantino, is keen to promote the expanded 32-team tournament with innovations such as referee-mounted cameras and free global broadcasts via Dazn, aiming to enhance the spectacle and fan engagement. The event attracted over 60,000 spectators to Hard Rock Stadium, creating a festive atmosphere that exceeded initial ticket sale concerns. Meanwhile, teams like Auckland City from New Zealand faced significant logistical challenges traveling to the U.S., underscoring the diverse scale and global reach of the competition. Historically, European clubs have dominated the Club World Cup, with Real Madrid holding the most titles, while the tournament has also seen some lopsided matches, including a record 6-1 win by Al Hilal in 2021. The tournament continues to build prestige as a global showcase for club football, featuring top teams from each continental confederation.