Inter Miami 'to be among top seeds' for FIFA Club World Cup as Lionel Messi's side handed huge boost after MLS Cup failure

According to The Times, the Herons will be given the "A1 slot" for the draw, which is slated to take place in December. This allocation aligns with FIFA's previous practices in major competitions, where the hosts receive top-seed positions and participate in the inaugural match.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the decision to include Inter Miami just three weeks ago. The move came shortly after the team won the MLS Supporters' Shield, a prestigious honour given to the MLS side with the best record across Eastern and Western conferences. With television rights still under negotiation, FIFA’s emphasis on Inter Miami's inclusion likely aims to leverage Messi’s massive fanbase to attract major sponsors and broadcast partners.

Despite the official announcement, FIFA faced questions regarding the timing and nature of the selection criteria. Prior to Infantino’s statement, the governing body had not disclosed details about the qualification process for the host nation’s slot, leading to surprise and curiosity among fans and stakeholders. According to reports, FIFA’s Council members were not fully briefed on the administration’s decision to appoint Inter Miami until Infantino's public reveal. However, FIFA clarified that the tournament regulations, including those governing the inclusion of Inter Miami into the fold, were approved by its Council in a unanimous vote last month.

FIFA released a statement regarding the seeding procedure for the tournament which read: "FIFA Council or the relevant committee which will divide the teams into groups by seeding and drawing lots in public at the draw, whilst taking sporting and geographical factors into consideration as far as possible."

With Inter Miami confirmed as a host team, the 32-team Club World Cup is set to offer fans a rare opportunity to witness elite clubs from around the globe, all vying for the title. Alongside Inter Miami, confirmed entrants include Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea, along with Champions League holders Real Madrid.