The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida is set to host the official kickoff of the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament that brings together clubs from every continent in a World Cup-style format.

When and Where Is the Opening Match?

The opening game between Al Ahly and Inter Miami will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium. With a capacity of over 65,000 spectators, the venue has previously hosted NFL games, major concerts, and will be one of the stages for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What Time Does the Match Start?

Here are the confirmed kickoff times in the United States:

• Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 PM
• Central Time (CT): 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time (MT): 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 PM

Why Is This Game Important?

This match marks the beginning of a new era for international club football. FIFA aims to elevate the competition into a true global club championship, featuring representatives from all confederations and a format more familiar to national team tournaments.

On the pitch, Inter Miami —led by global icons Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba— will face Al Ahly, a legendary African club with numerous continental titles to its name.

Why Was Miami Chosen?

Miami was selected as the opening host city due to its international profile and growing significance in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. The arrival of Messi has dramatically increased soccer interest across the city and the U.S., making it the ideal backdrop to launch this historic tournament.