The draw for the new-format FIFA Club World Cup was held yesterday in Miami, unveiling the group stage fixtures for the tournament set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13 next year. Under the rules, the top two teams from each group will advance to the knock-out stage, setting up a series of thrilling clashes among the world’s elite clubs.
The #FIFACWC group stage draw. ✔️#TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/4GOctX7MgI
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) December 5, 2024
Manchester City and Juventus were drawn together in Group A, alongside Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca and UAE’s Al-Ain. The defending European champions Real Madrid were placed in Group C, where they will face Neymar’s Al-Hilal, as well as RB Salzburg and Mexican side Pachuca. Los Blancos could meet either Manchester City or Juventus as early as the round of 16, creating a potential blockbuster matchup in the early knockout stages. Group B, labeled the “Group of Death” by some observers, features Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, and Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo, along with MLS club Seattle Sounders.
In the opening match on June 15, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will take on Egyptian giants Al-Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium. With Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba leading the charge, Inter Miami finds itself in a relatively easy group alongside Palmeiras and Porto.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, will face familiar foes Benfica in Group E after recently defeating them in the UEFA Champions League. Joining them are Boca Juniors of Argentina and New Zealand’s Auckland City. Inter Milan was drawn into Group F where they will compete against River Plate, Monterrey, and Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.
Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund both received manageable groups. Chelsea will meet Brazilian side Flamengo, Mexican club Club León, and Tunisia’s Esperance in Group D. Borussia Dortmund, in Group H, will face Fluminense of Brazil, South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai, and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.