Overview
- Inter Miami and Lionel Messi opened the competition at Hard Rock Stadium with a match against four-time third-place finishers Al Ahly.
- After the group stage concludes on June 26, the knockout rounds commence with the round of 16 in eight U.S. cities starting June 28.
- Among the 32 entrants are 12 European powerhouses—Real Madrid, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich—alongside six South American champions.
- Cristiano Ronaldo will not participate after his club Al Nassr failed to qualify for the new format.
- Record prize money allocates up to $125 million to the champion, reflecting FIFA’s aim to elevate global club football.