Must-see matches of group stage
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A new kind of soccer tournament is landing on America’s shores.

The new and improved Club World Cup is a prestigious tournament that features 32 top teams from various regions including Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and even the United States’ Major League Soccer. These elite teams battle it out for a prize pool of approximately billion funded by FIFA, aiming to claim the title of being the best team in the world.

The tournament will unfold in 11 different cities over 30 days from June 14, when Lionel Messi and Inter Miami host Egypt’s Al Ahly in the opener, until the final at MetLife Stadium on July 13. Every game will stream for free on DAZN.

Here is our handy guide to the can’t-miss scheduled games from the group stage, which ends June 26:

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atlético Madrid 

Group B, Sunday, 3 p.m., Pasadena, Calif. 

After Saturday’s prime-time opener, Day 2 of the expanded version of the tournament gets cooking with a showdown of two European heavyweights at the iconic Rose Bowl. PSG is just two weeks removed from winning the Champions League with a 5-0 throttling of Inter Milan (another tournament team). Atlético Madrid, under the auspices of Diego Simeone, are known as tireless counter-attackers. 

Chelsea vs. LAFC 

Group D, Monday, 3 p.m., Atlanta 

LAFC was the final team to qualify for the Club World Cup, winning a dramatic play-in game against Mexico’s Club América. They’re in midseason form. Chelsea have one of the most expensive rosters in the world, and wound up fourth in England’s Premier League this past season in unconvincing fashion. An upset here would be validation of the tournament’s premise and a feel-good moment for the MLS contingent. 

Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal 

Group H, Wednesday, 3 p.m., Miami 

There’s no bigger club in the world than Real Madrid. The stage was meant for them and a new generation of Galácticos that includes Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham. Here we see Trent Alexander-Arnold join the star-studded roster while Xabi Alonso debuts as their manager. Al Hilal represent Saudi Arabia, which has made big-money inroads into the global game. They’re not a lightweight. 

Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Borussia Dortmund 

Group F, June 21, Noon, Cincinnati 

Sundowns, a perennial league champion out of South Africa, have a chance to be the tournament’s darlings. They wear bright yellow jerseys and play a pleasing brand of soccer referred to as “shoeshine and piano” — lots of quick passing and ball control. Borussia Dortmund were Champions League runners-up in 2024, but took a step backward this past season. Group F might be the most open group, and it could get upended here. 

No matter where you are in the world, you can watch the FIFA Club World Cup for free on DAZN. All you need to get started is an email address. No subscription is required, but you will have to make a free account on the streamer to start watching.

DAZN also has premium, paid options available to enhance your viewing experience with HDR picture, Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, and fewer ads. DAZN Premium plans begin at $19.99/month.

Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras 

Group A, June 23, 9 p.m., Miami 

Tournament organizers wanted the incomparable Lionel Messi on the marquee, and here he is, leading Inter Miami and their pink-clad band of stars-in-twilight in a de facto home game, under the lights, with a potential spot in the knockout rounds on the line. Brazil’s Palmeiras, who have been pegged as the group favorites, are a dangerous, high-octane foe. Messi will turn 38 the next day. Still, don’t bet against him. 

Juventus vs. Manchester City 

Group G, June 26, 3 p.m., Orlando, Fla. 

A matchup of giants. Manchester City may have fallen from their perch as the alphas of world club soccer, but Pep Guardiola’s squad — fronted by striker Erling Haaland and reinforced by a wave of fresh signings — easily could win it all. Juventus feature the American duo of Weston McKennie and Tim Weah. Both teams are likely to be in position to advance to the knockout rounds, but bracket positions could be up for grabs.

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