By David Gómez Llinás
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is making history on U.S. soil with its new 32-team format,
drawing clubs from around the world into a competition reminiscent of the World Cup itself. Yet,
the tournament is unfolding amid a backdrop of logistical complexity and heightened
immigration concerns.
A Dual Narrative: Openness vs. Restrictions
FIFA President Gianni Infantino told reporters: “No, I don’t have any concerns about anything in
the sense that we are very attentive on any security question, of course the most important for
us is to guarantee security for all the fans who come to the games, this is our priority.”
While the U.S. State Department has affirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth environment
during this major sports event, broader immigration policies have created unease among
international fans.
As State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott put it: “I think people from around the world, and Americans going to these events, would want to see actions like this [the travel restrictions]. We take security concerns extremely seriously; we want people to be able to go to the World Cup and do so
safely.”
Although the travel ban exempts athletes and essential sports staff, it does not explicitly cover
fans. This has frustrated some potential attendees and observers.
Welcome—but with Caveats, things to consider if you´re coming to the CWC: The State Department has clarified that all visa holders with approved entry for the Club World
Cup are welcome. However, here are a few things you should consider to be well-prepared:
- Multiple time zones = logistical headache
Traveling through the U.S.’s four time zones to follow several matches is financially and
physically taxing. Make sure you check what accommodates best to your budget. - Cheaper tickets offset logistics
Good news for you, due to low demand and logistical dispersion, ticket prices have
dropped—some as low as $30–$40—making live attendance more accessible for
Americans. - A unique showdown: Europe vs. South America
For the first time, fans can witness elite South American clubs face European giants in
the same tournament—a big draw for countries like Argentina and Brazil and their teams.
- Messi’s Miami encore
Lionel Messi, at 37, continues to impress with Inter Miami. Some say he does not have
too many international tournaments left, so they are making an effort to come see him
and his presence, definitely adds undeniable star power and global interest to the event.
Current Match Summary & Schedule (ET)
Recent Results:
● June 14: Al Ahly 0–0 Inter Miami
● June 15: Bayern Munich 10–0 Auckland City; PSG 4–0 Atlético Madrid; Palmeiras 0–0
Porto; Botafogo 2–1 Seattle
● June 16: Chelsea 2–0 LAFC; Boca Juniors 2–2 Benfica; Flamengo 2–0 Esperance
● June 17: Fluminense 0–0 Borussia Dortmund; River Plate 3–1 Urawa; Monterrey 1–1
Inter; Sundowns 1–0 Ulsan
Upcoming (June 18–19):
● June 18:
– Manchester City vs. Wydad (12 p.m.)
– Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal (3 p.m.)
– Pachuca vs. RB Salzburg (6 p.m.)
– Al‑Ain vs. Juventus (9 p.m.)
● June 19:
– Palmeiras vs. Al Ahly (12 p.m.)
– Inter Miami vs. Porto (2 p.m.)
– Seattle vs. Atlético (6 p.m.)
– PSG vs. Botafogo (9 p.m.)
(All future kickoff times referenced are Eastern Time.)
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