Inter Miami CF has become the penultimate club to seal a spot at the new FIFA Club World Cup after winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield on Saturday night, confirming them as the best team throughout the 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season. Inter Miami qualifies as the host country representative team on the basis of the club’s outstanding and consistent 34-match campaign that saw them secure the shield with two MLS matches to play. The club will also open the tournament as the host team and play in the inaugural game of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in their hometown of Miami. Inter Miami, captained by World Cup winner Lionel Messi, broke the all-time MLS record for the most points in a single season this year, completing their 2024 campaign with 74 points having recorded 22 wins and eight draws, while incurring only four defeats, from February to October. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the news during a fan and team celebration following the club’s MLS regular season match against New England Revolution at Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale. “We all know how Miami is in love with football and how Inter Miami is supported from across Florida and beyond for your exciting brand of football. Congratulations on your wonderful 2024 Supporters’ Shield success,” said Infantino. “Therefore, I am proud to announce that, as one of the best clubs in the world, you are deserved participants in the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as the host club representing the United States.” In front of La Familia and many of the club’s passionate supporters, Infantino also confirmed that next year’s global club showpiece will kick off in the Magic City. “We are looking forward to you hosting the opening match in Miami on Sunday, 15 June 2025,” he said. “It’s sure to be a great celebration for global club football as the tournament features the best 32 clubs in the world, and provides a new opportunity for clubs, players, coaches, and fans alike to take their stories to the world.” With Inter Miami’s involvement confirmed, 31 of the 32 Club World Cup 2025 participating clubs have been locked in. The remaining slot will be determined by the outcome of the 2024 CONMEBOL Libertadores final to be played on November 30 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, ensuring that the full line-up of clubs will be known before the draw in December. Four iconic South American clubs still have hope to join the club football showpiece next year.
