The FIFA Club World Cup draw is fast approaching and Inter Miami will soon find out their opponents.
Making their debut in the prestigious tournament, Inter Miami’s inclusion has caused quite a stir amongst soccer fans.
USMNT legend Alexi Lalas labelled FIFA’s decision as ‘disingenuous’, meanwhile, Bruce Arena criticised Inter Miami’s Club World Cup involvement.
FIFA’s unpopular decision to include the Herons, however, may have just secured the tournament a lucrative TV deal.
FIFA land lucrative TV deal for Club World Cup
The Athletic reported back in September that FIFA president Gianni Infantino organized an emergency meeting with broadcasters to increase interest in the tournament.
Since then, of course, FIFA and Infantino decided to include Inter Miami in the Club World Cup – and that decision may have just bagged them some much-needed broadcasting rights.
This is because sports media giants DAZN have just agreed to showcase the Club World Cup next summer, with FIFA set to land a huge $1 billion from the deal – via the Daily Mail.
Having previously struggled to find a TV deal before Inter Miami’s involvement, FIFA may have Lionel Messi and Co to thank for landing the lucrative DAZN deal.
Who could Inter Miami face in the Club World Cup?
With Inter Miami facing so much criticism for how they qualified for the tournament, Javier Mascherano’s side will undoubtedly be keen to make their mark next summer.
The Herons will have the opportunity to test themselves against soccer’s best, with the mouthwatering ties against Real Madrid and Manchester City potentially on the cards.
Lionel Messi won’t face a Barcelona reunion, but the Argentine could potentially come up against another of his former sides in the shape of PSG.
| Pot 1 | Pot 2 | Pot 3 | Pot 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City (ENG) | Chelsea FC (ENG) | Al Hilal (SAU) | Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) |
| Real Madrid (ESP) | Bor. Dortmund (GER) | Ulsan HD (KOR) | Al Ain (VAE) |
| FC Bayern (GER) | Inter Mailand (ITA) | Al Ahly (EGY) | Esperance de Tunis (TUN) |
| PSG (FRA) | FC Porto (POR) | Wydad AC (MRC) | Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA) |
| Flamengo (BRA) | Atletico Madrid (ESP) | CF Monterrey (MEX) | CF Pachuca (MEX) |
| Palmeiras (BRA) | SL Benfica (POR) | Club Leon (MEX) | Seattle Sounders (USA) |
| River Plate (ARG) | Juventus (ITA) | Boca Juniors (ARG) | Auckland City FC (NZL) |
| Fluminense (BRA) | FC Salzburg (AT) | Botafogo (BRA) | Inter Miami CF (USA) |
Inter Miami won’t be expected to win the tournament, but David Beckham will be hoping his franchise can make a statement come June.