Luis Suarez, now playing for Inter Miami, believes MLS teams could upset European clubs at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup due to the European sides’ fatigue from grueling schedules. He argues that MLS teams, with their season ending earlier, will be fresher for the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13, 2025, in the U.S. European seasons, packed with domestic leagues, cup competitions, and international play, leave top clubs like Manchester City and Real Madrid stretched thin. Suarez highlights Inter Miami’s strong squad, including Lionel Messi and other ex-Barcelona stars, as a factor that could help them capitalize on this.
MLS teams like Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders, and LAFC face a tough challenge, though. European giants have deeper squads and proven track records in high-stakes tournaments. For example, Manchester City won the 2023 Club World Cup, and Real Madrid has clinched it five times. Still, Suarez points to Inter Miami’s recent form—winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and dominating the 2024 MLS regular season—as evidence of their potential. The Club World Cup’s expanded 32-team format, hosted across 11 U.S. cities, adds unpredictability, and Suarez sees an opportunity for MLS sides to exploit tired opponents.
Posts on X echo this sentiment, with some fans noting MLS teams’ hunger and home advantage could make them dark horses, though others argue European clubs’ quality will still prevail. Fatigue could be a factor, but it’s uncertain if it’ll outweigh the experience gap.
