KLIK SAJA - Looking to bounce back from a humiliating Champions League final defeat, Inter Milan will kick off their Club World Cup campaign in Group E of the newly expanded 32-team tournament.
The Serie A giants were dismantled 5-0 by European champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Allianz Arena—a result that left a bitter taste and a burning desire for redemption. Coincidentally, PSG will also feature in this summer’s showdown in the United States.
In Group E, Inter are joined by Mexico’s Monterrey, Argentine powerhouse River Plate, and Japanese underdogs Urawa Red Diamonds—three sides all harboring serious ambitions of reaching the knockout stages.
With two Champions League final appearances in the past three seasons, Inter bring invaluable big-game pedigree.
That level of experience could prove crucial as they aim to reignite their continental pride on American soil.
River Plate, meanwhile, arrive with incredible momentum.
The Argentine giants are unbeaten in regulation time since March 1 and enter the tournament brimming with confidence, determined to mount a serious challenge for top spot.
Monterrey’s form, on the other hand, paints a more troubled picture.
Following a disappointing quarter-final exit to Toluca in Liga MX last month, the Mexican side heads to the U.S. in search of redemption—but risks falling short in a highly competitive group.
Urawa Red Diamonds, the least-favored team in this group, would be a surprise package if they managed to break into the last 16.
Despite their fighting spirit and passionate fanbase, the J1 League side are likely to struggle against the elite competition in North America.
Inter’s attacking hopes rest largely on Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine striker netted 12 goals in the 2024–25 Serie A season, just behind strike partner Marcus Thuram (14 goals).
Yet Lautaro’s global pedigree—including lifting the 2022 World Cup alongside Lionel Messi—makes him a prime candidate to lead Inter’s front line with confidence and flair.
River Plate pose the biggest threat to Inter’s dominance. With 18 straight matches without a loss in normal time, the Argentine side is in peak form and fully capable of topping the group.
