By Kymani Phillips
Barry Students, sports enthusiasts, and soccer lovers, what a historic year this will be! The first-ever expanded FIFA Club World Cup will occur in the United States, where only the most exceptional clubs worldwide will compete for the title of best club team. This upcoming event will showcase the global growth of soccer and resonate with Barry students, many of whom are passionate about the sport and support the university’s soccer team.
Tarique Louden, a local soccer club member and freshman studying computer science, described this moment as “an opportunity for unforgettable moments.”
FIFA has restructured the Club World Cup by expanding it to a 32-team tournament held every four years, analogous to the FIFA World Cup for national teams.
The goal of the redesigned Club World Cup is to increase participation, spark more significant curiosity worldwide, and improve the competitive atmosphere of the event. FIFA expects that by implementing a new format, the competition will become more coveted and a significant event on the international football calendar. Thanks to this innovation, elite clubs will now have an equal chance to compete on the biggest platform. The first edition of this extended format will be held in the United States, further establishing the nation's expanding influence in international football.
Miami's diversified population and fervent football fan base have made it a hotspot for many years.
Barry University students, many of whom follow European and South American club football, will have a unique opportunity to witness high-level international club competitions right in their backyard.
Maria Jose Fernandez, a Barry alumna and Inter Miami soccer club intern, believes that such an event hosted in America will enhance cultural exposure and unify all soccer lovers as they’ll be placed in a stadium supporting their favorite teams and players.
“It’s [The Club World Cup] going to impact Miami highly. It’s a big tourism factor, a lot of people from all over the world will come. Everyone who lives in Miami will experience a multicultural exposure uplifting and uniting to share such a big event,” she said.
The tournament being hosted in the U.S. could also boost soccer culture nationwide, influencing the future of the sport at both professional and collegiate levels.
Additionally, with international soccer phenom Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami, one of the teams in the World Cup, it will be a must-watch as he competes with the world’s best clubs. Champions League winners from Europe and South America and top teams from Africa, Asia, and North America will battle for the title. Players like Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Halland, Cole Palmer, and rising MLS stars could be center stage, making this a must-watch event.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup also set to be hosted in the U.S. across cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami Gardens, and Philadelphia, the Club World Cup will significantly test the country’s ability to organize world-class soccer tournaments. This event will excite fans and help grow the sport domestically, attracting new supporters and inspiring young players—including Barry University players.
The 2025 Club World Cup represents a new chapter in international soccer, and for Barry students, it is more than just another tournament. It is an opportunity to see history unfold and to be part of the sport’s growing influence in the U.S. As the world’s best clubs prepare for battle, Barry’s soccer fans have plenty to look forward to.
Atario Brown, freshman finance major and local soccer player, said, “I have to go to a couple of these games. The best are going to be here, I have to see them in person, especially since some games will be at Hard Rock [Stadium].”
As the world’s best clubs prepare for battle, Barry’s soccer fans have plenty to look forward to.
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