- Inter Miami and Al Ahly get the tournament under way
- Amateur side Auckland City face a tough test against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich
- Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid do battle in a crucial Group B clash
The expanded FIFA Club World Cup is finally here, with 32 teams from across the world battling it out for the title.
Inter Miami are one of three MLS teams taking part in their home country and they kick proceedings off against Egyptian side Al Ahly.
Al Ahly vs Inter Miami (Sunday 1am)
Inter Miami’s inclusion in this tournament has been somewhat controversial but Lionel Messi featuring is a big coup for FIFA and he could make all the difference for the Herons in this opener.
The Argentinian has been in fine form for his club side recently, scoring five times in his last three MLS games and Javier Mascherano’s side have netted 12 times in those three matches.
Al Ahly are likely to put up a stronger defensive fight than those opponents, they have won three of the last four CAF Champions League titles and they are the highest ranked African team in the world.
However they have just appointed new manager Jose Riveiro in a move that could destabilise the Egyptians. Inter Miami may be able to edge what should be an intriguing opener.
Score prediction: Al Ahly 1-2 Inter Miami
Bayern Munich vs Auckland City (Sunday 5pm)
Auckland City are the only amateur team in the Club World Cup this year and they face an extremely tough first game as they take on Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
The Bavarians scored 99 goals en route to the German title and beat Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 in the Champions League last season.
By contrast Auckland were beaten 6-2 by Emirati side Al Ain last year in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and look set for another heavy defeat.
Expect Vincent Kompany’s side to be ruthless and rack up the score in this one.
Score prediction: Bayern Munich 8-0 Auckland City
Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid (Sunday 8pm)
Two European giants face off in this Group B clash as Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain take on Atletico Madrid.
The pair should both qualify from the section and could cancel each other out. Atleti are not to be underestimated as they beat PSG in the Champions League group stages in the season just ended and a long season could have taken it out of the French side.
Both teams may have to settle for a draw.
Score prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Palmeiras vs Porto (Sunday 11pm)
Porto are expected to top Group A and their likely biggest challenge comes from Palmeiras, who have dominated Brazilian football in recent years.
The Portuguese side had a very solid campaign, however, and they should be able to come out on top of what should be a competitive affair. The Dragons can begin with a win in this one.
Score prediction: Palmeiras 1-2 Porto