How the 2025 Club World Cup draw unfolded as all 32 teams discovered their fate for next summer’s tournament in the U.S.

There was legitimate concern that host side Inter Miami would be placed in a difficult group. That hasn’t occurred. Miami avoided Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Miami, among other top European teams. Palmeiras and FC Porto, though, are much better teams than the MLS Supporters’ Shield champions.

Lionel Messi and his close friend, and now head coach, Javier Mascherano, will open the tournament against African champions Al Ahly FC at Hard Rock Stadium on June 15.

That’s as favorable a match up as they could’ve hoped for, although the Egyptian side are hardly a push over. Still, Miami, who has yet to reload in the winter transfer window, will be under intense pressure to not crash out. They were awarded the host spot despite not being the MLS champion.

The Supporters’ Shield was enough for FIFA to invite Miami, and they’re growing brand presence in world football, to the tournament. Messi and his teammates scored 79 goals in 2024, but they were often outpaced by faster, younger MLS teams. The Club World Cup will be Miami’s ultimate stress test. It could still go terribly wrong.