A host of the biggest names in world football, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Sergio Ramos, are set to feature in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States this weekend. The revamped month-long tournament, running from June 15 to July 13 across 11 American cities, brings together champions from every global confederation.
The competition begins on Sunday, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami taking a central role. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is part of a celebrated quartet of former Barcelona players at the club, alongside striker Luis Suarez, midfielder Sergio Busquets, and defender Jordi Alba. Inter Miami qualified as the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners.
The tournament is replete with world-class talent. World Cup winners Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham will feature for a formidable Real Madrid side, which also includes their recent high-profile signing, England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. Their city rivals, Atletico Madrid, will count on French forward Antoine Griezmann.
Two English clubs are participating, with Manchester City and Chelsea both selecting their new summer signings. City’s squad includes Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, while Chelsea have named recent recruits Liam Delap and Dario Essugo. Key England internationals such as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Reece James, and Manchester City’s Phil Foden and John Stones, are also involved after a demanding club season that saw Chelsea win the UEFA Conference League.
Bayern Munich’s squad includes England captain Harry Kane. Borussia Dortmund will feature new signing Jobe Bellingham, who recently joined from Sunderland.
Twelve European teams qualified based on their success in UEFA competitions over the past five years, including Champions League winners Chelsea (2021) and Manchester City (2023). However, 2025 Premier League champions Liverpool and Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal did not qualify under the current criteria.
The FIFA Club World Cup also features a number of familiar names now playing outside of Europe. Mexican side Monterrey is captained by Spain and Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos. Los Angeles FC, who qualified after winning a playoff, includes 2018 France World Cup winners Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris.
While Messi will be present, his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo will not, as his club Al-Nassr did not qualify. Saudi Arabia’s sole representative is Al-Hilal, the 2021 AFC Champions League winners, whose squad includes former Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo, ex-Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, and former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
The competition promises to be a showcase of global football talent, bringing together established European powerhouses and decorated clubs from across the world for a unique summer tournament.
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