Washington: The month-long tournament marks a significant transformation for the FIFA Club World Cup, expanding from its traditional format into a World Cup-style spectacle. For the first time, 32 of the world’s top clubs — including continental champions and footballing powerhouses — will compete across 63 matches in 12 stadiums throughout the United States, culminating in a final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13.

Inter Miami CF, co-owned by David Beckham and captained by football legend Lionel Messi, will serve as the host club and face Egypt’s Al Ahly in the tournament opener in Group A. The group also includes FC Porto (Portugal) and Palmeiras (Brazil), setting the tone for an action-packed competition.

European champions Real Madrid headline Group H and will kick off their campaign against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. Group C is expected to be one of the toughest, featuring Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, Benfica, and Auckland City.

Other notable teams include Manchester City, Chelsea, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, River Plate, Fluminense, Flamengo, and Club León. In total, the representation spans:

Africa (CAF): 4 teams including Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns

Asia (AFC): 4 teams including Ulsan Hyundai, Al Hilal

Europe (UEFA): 12 teams including Real Madrid, Man City, Chelsea

North/Central America (Concacaf): 4 teams + hosts Inter Miami

South America (CONMEBOL): 6 teams including River Plate, Flamengo

Oceania (OFC): 1 team — Auckland City

Group Stage Draw:

Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami

Group B: PSG, Atlético Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica

Group D: Flamengo, Espérance de Tunis, Chelsea, Club León

Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter Milan

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, Mamelodi Sundowns

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad Casablanca, Al Ain, Juventus

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Red Bull Salzburg