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The expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup begins today across 11 U.S. cities, featuring elite clubs from six continents competing for a £100m prize. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami opens against Egypt's Al Ahly in Miami (1am BST), launching a month-long football festival culminating in the July 13 final at MetLife Stadium.

  • New Format: 32-team structure (12 UEFA, 6 CONMEBOL clubs)
  • Record Prize Money: £100m+ total purse
  • UK Broadcast: Free on Channel 5/DAZN for selected matches
  • Group Stage Highlights: PSG vs Atletico Madrid (June 15), Chelsea vs LAFC (June 16), Man City vs Al Ain (June 22)
The tournament runs from June 14 through July 13, with group stages concluding June 26 before knockout rounds begin. The final will be held at East Rutherford's MetLife Stadium on July 13.

European clubs have expressed mixed feelings about the expanded format, citing concerns over fixture congestion in an already packed calendar. The geographical challenges of matches spread across 11 U.S. venues from Miami to Seattle also raise questions about player fatigue and competitive fairness between confederations.