Harry Kane says Bayern Munich are excited by the challenge of facing the world's best non-European sides at the expanded 2025 Fifa Club World Cup this summer.
Featuring 32 teams – and only 12 from Uefa – the draw for the US-hosted competition has thrown up some exotic matchups, including a clash between Bundesliga giants Bayern and the six-time South American champions Boca Juniors from Argentina.
The Middle East and North Africa region is also well represented with UAE's reigning Asian Champions Al Ain joined by Saudi Pro League title holders Al Hilal and Al Ahly from Egypt, Wydad AC from Morocco, and Esperance from Tunisia.
Al Ahly will contest the opening game on June 14 against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, while Al Ain and Wydad have been paired in the same group – alongside Manchester City and Juventus.
Al Hilal have been drawn with Real Madrid in a meeting between the record Asian and record European champions.
Before that, Fifa will drum up interest in the revamped competition with a trophy tour which will include a stop in the UAE in the coming months.
Over in Munich, excitement is already building with England captain Kane admitting that the prospect of facing unfamiliar opposition is as tantalising for the players as it is for the fans.
“Yeah, that’ll be a special match,” said Kane when asked about facing Boca Juniors at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 20.
“I think it’ll be one of the standout matches in the whole of the group phase and in the whole tournament, to be honest.
“It’s a great experience for the players to play against different teams from around the world.
“Of course, we’re so used to playing in Europe and, yeah, it’s good to have those experiences against different types of teams, different atmospheres.
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The model Adriana Lima draws Al Ahly of Egypt during the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup Draw at Telemundo Studios on December 5, 2024 in Miami, Florida. AFP -
Ivanka Trump and her son Theo join Singer Gloria Estefan during the Club World Cup draw ceremony. EPA -
A general view inside the venue as the LED screen displays the final groups. AFP -
Don Garber, commissioner of Major League Soccer, arrives for the draw. EPA -
Emilio Estefan speaks alongside Samantha Johnson. AFP -
Singer Gloria Estefan, left, Peruvian soccer great Teofilo Cubillas, second left, Brazilian model Adriana Lima and Brazilian artist Romero Britto on stage. EPA -
Gloria Estefan draws Paris Saint-Germain. AFP -
Fifa president Giani Infantino unveils the new trophy. EPA -
US President-elect Donald Trump delivers a welcome video. EPA -
Fifa president Gianni Infantino' speaks during the draw. EPA -
Gianni Infantino, left, and Brazilian former soccer player Ronaldo. AFP
“That [Boca] game in Miami will be pretty special as well, with the fan base there. So, again, another experience to look forward to. It’ll be a really tough game but one we’ll enjoy.”
Fifa has had to deal with much scepticism over the need for another major tournament in what is already a congested football calendar, reportedly struggling to attract sponsors and broadcast partners before sealing a deal with streaming platform Dazn.
They have also been the target of legal action from players' union Fifpro and the European Leagues body, who have accused them of “abusive and anticompetitive” conduct, pointing to the new-look Club World Cup and also the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026.
Kane, however, is fully supportive of the tournament, and says the “unique” and global nature of the matches will help assuage any concerns once the action gets under way.
“Yeah, I think it’s going to be great,” said the 31-year-old. “I mean, it’s going to be unique, playing this type of major tournament with your club is different to what’s been done in the past but I think it’s going to be a great experience.
“Going out to the US, as well, a year before the [2026] World Cup itself will be a great chance to get to know some of the stadiums and get to know the fans out there. And, yeah, it’s going to be a really great tournament.
“As always, when it’s the first of any type of tournament, people are wondering how it’s going to go but I’m really excited for it.”
Understandably, Kane is focused on helping Bayern win the first staging of the expanded tournament.
Bayern's top scorer has won an array of individual honours but is short on medals after spending much of his career in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur.
“For sure, to win it,” he said when asked about Bayern's aims this summer. “We’re one of the best teams in the world, without a doubt, so every tournament we go into, the idea is to win.
“We know it’ll be tough, of course, as every major tournament will be. But, look, we’re having a good season.
“Of course, we’re focused on the Bundesliga and the [Uefa] Champions League right now, but once we’re there in June, I think there’ll be a real hunger to try to be the first ones to win this tournament.”
Kane also believes the Club World Cup can help attract more fans in the American market at a critical time with the 2026 World Cup – jointly hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada – on the horizon.
“It’ll be good. Football is growing more and more out in the States, so they’ll be excited to see some of the best teams – well, the best teams in the world – compete on a competitive level, as well,” he said.
“We know Bayern Munich have fans all over the world and plenty of fans in America, so it’s a chance for them to see us live in a competitive environment and, hopefully, as the tournament goes on it gets more and more intense and we see some big, big games.”
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
