American Challengers In FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Inter Miami, LAFC, Monterrey And Other Top Teams To Challenge Giants of Soccer
The 2025 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in the US kicks off on June 14, featuring 32 teams, 63 matches, and 12 venues across the country.
Europe has the highest number of participants, with 12 clubs set to compete, while confederations like Asia and North America will be represented by five teams each.
The North American teams are expected to enjoy strong local support, and the recent influx of European stars into the region could give these sides an added edge. The four North American representatives are Inter Miami (host), Pachuca, Monterrey, Los Angeles FC, and Seattle Sounders.
Inter Miami
To some fans, Inter Miami’s presence and Lionel Messi at the Club World Cup is undeserved. However, Messi was named the league MVP as Inter Miami tallied a record 74 points, clinching the Supporters’ Shield title.
With global stars like Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, and under the guidance of coach Javier Mascherano, the team will face stiff competition in the group stage against African powerhouse Al Ahly, Brazilian giants Palmeiras, and Portuguese club FC Porto.
Though they qualified as tournament hosts, few can deny the sheer quality within Inter Miami’s ranks, and fans eagerly await their matchups.
Pachuca
The Mexican club has won seven Liga MX titles and six CONCACAF Champions League titles, including their most recent triumph in 2022–23, which secured their ticket to the 2025 Club World Cup.
This will be Pachuca’s fifth Club World Cup appearance, making them one of the most experienced North American sides.
Their attacking strength is bolstered by John Kennedy, the forward on loan from Fluminense. Pachuca will take on RB Salzburg, Real Madrid, and Al Hilal in a challenging group.
Los Angeles FC
LAFC became the 32nd and final team to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup after a 2-1 playoff win over Club América.
Three years ago, LAFC achieved a historic MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield double, and although they lost the 2023 MLS Cup Final to Columbus Crew, they bounced back in 2024 by winning the U.S. Open Cup—a first in club history.
Despite falling short in two CONCACAF Champions League finals (2020 and 2023), LAFC will make their Club World Cup debut, joining Seattle Sounders as the only American clubs to participate in the tournament.
They’ve been placed in a tough group with Chelsea (UEFA Europa Conference League winners), Espérance de Tunis, and Flamengo.
Seattle Sounders
Making their second Club World Cup appearance, the Seattle Sounders qualified by defeating Pumas UNAM in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final.
They find themselves in a difficult group featuring UEFA Champions League winners PSG, Brazilian contenders Botafogo, and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
Monterrey
Monterrey FC are seasoned Club World Cup participants, having featured in five previous editions (2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021), with third-place finishes in 2012 and 2019 as their best results.
All eyes will be on Sergio Ramos, the former Real Madrid defender, who turns 39 this year. While no longer at his peak, Ramos remains a commanding presence and will headline their opening Group E clash against Inter Milan.
Supporting him are stars like Argentine winger Lucas Ocampos and Spanish playmaker Sergio Canales, as Monterrey look to advance from a group that also includes Urawa Red Diamonds and River Plate.
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