This weekend, the Rose Bowl—America’s cathedral of global football—hosts crucial group-stage battles of the FIFA Club World Cup. While the tournament opens Saturday with Inter Miami vs Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Pasadena takes center stage starting Sunday with European giants, South American icons, and rising stars from Asia and North America descending on one of soccer’s most hallowed U.S. grounds. The tournament promises dazzling matchups, legacy-defining performances, and a renewed sense of international rivalry.
As fans flood into this historic venue, they’ll witness not just games, but moments that will ring out far beyond 90 minutes.
Here’s your essential guide to the drama, talent, and logistics of it all.
The electric matchups
Group B: PSG, Atlético de Madrid, Botafogo & Seattle Sounders
- Paris Saint‑Germain vs Atlético de Madrid
Sunday, June 15 — 12 p.m. PT
A heavyweight clash between France’s financial colossus, PSG, and Spain’s hard-nosed tacticians from Atlético. PSG arrives with a glittering roster—Kylian Mbappé, fresh from another explosive Ligue 1 campaign, alongside midfield maestro Vitinha and captain Marquinhos. Atlético counters with iron defense from José María Giménez and the veteran firepower of Álvaro Morata. Their last Champions League knockout tie, decided by a goal in extra time, still resonates on both sides.
- PSG vs Botafogo
Thursday, June 19 — 6 p.m. PT
PSG’s second match in Pasadena brings them against Brazil’s proud Botafogo. The Rio‑based squad, featuring rising star striker Hulckley Santos, have history rooting back to Pelé-era dominance. This will test PSG’s adaptability to South American flair and passionate fan energy.
- Atlético vs Botafogo
Monday, June 23 — 12 p.m. PT
The tactical battleground: Atlético returns with its disciplined approach versus Botafogo’s samba-infused attack. Expect a compact, low-scoring affair that might hinge on a solitary moment of brilliance.
Group E: Monterrey, River Plate, Inter Milan & Urawa Red Diamonds
- CF Monterrey vs Inter Milan
Tuesday, June 17 — 6 p.m. PT
Mexico’s Rayados de Monterrey, featuring physical striker Vincent Janssen, take on Italy’s tactically precise Inter Milan, with Nicolo Barella, Paulo Dybala, and captain Milan Skriniar leading the charge. Monterrey’s recent Champions League seeding run has fueled an ambitious push in this tournament.
- River Plate vs Monterrey
Saturday, June 21 — 6 p.m. PT
South America’s heavyweight vs North America’s pride. River Plate boasts impressive talent fresh off strong Copa Libertadores runs. Monterrey will rely on home‑continent strength and support. The story: two styles and two continents colliding on American turf.
- Urawa Red Diamonds vs Monterrey
Wednesday, June 25 — 6 p.m. PT
Japan’s iconic Urawa Red Diamonds, led by right back Hiroki Sakai, bring Asian technique. Expect disciplined, possession-oriented play, and a mutual hunt for the final knockout slot.
Star players to watch
Kylian Mbappé (PSG) — Explosive, multi-goal threat; his pace could crack fast-paced games.
Álvaro Morata (Atlético) — Poacher with big-game experience.
Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan) — The heartbeat of Inter’s engine room.
Hulckley Santos (Botafogo) — Young Brazilian winger making waves.
Vincent Janssen (Monterrey) — Physical striker with international experience.
Venue spotlight: The Rose Bowl
A Historic Beacon. This local landmark, built in 1922, hosted the legendary 1994 FIFA World Cup Final and 1999 Women’s World Cup Final. With its nearly 90,000-seating capacity, it’s the 11th-largest stadium in the U.S.
Logistics & travel
Getting There:
Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA
Shuttle from Old Pasadena—check FIFA’s “Know Before You Go”—a frequent and efficient option
Parking:
Reserve in advance (preferred); lots open 3 hours before matches
Overflow parking at Brookside Golf Course with shuttle access
Typical traffic delays near single-lane residential street access—plan an extra 1–2 hours
Ride-Share & Bike:
Dedicated drop-off zones; secure bike racks available
Prohibited Items:
Backpacks above 14″x14” restricted; clear-bag policy in place. Leave your vuvuzela at home.
Tickets
Public sales began January 14, 2025 on FIFA.com. Prices start around $28, scaling by match and seat location.
For premium/tour packages, refer to On Location.
Watching at home
U.S. Broadcast:
Expect multi-channel coverage across ESPN, Fox, Univision, with select streaming on ESPN+ and FS1.
Global Coverage:
Major markets will stream via DAZN, beIN SPORTS, and local FIFA partners. No blackout anticipated.
In case you’re wondering:
PSG vs Atlético: Recent encounters in the Champions League have been slicing affairs—athleticism vs organization.
Monterrey vs River Plate: A head-to-head North vs South American matchup heavy on pride and history.
Inter Milan’s tournament pedigree: Italian giants using this as a springboard for a revival both domestically and in Europe.
Why the Rose Bowl?
Much more than a venue—it’s a piece of living history: birthplace of MLS, witness to women’s soccer legends, site of three international final matches. At a time when American soccer continues its ascendancy, the Rose Bowl stands as the perfect amphitheater—classic, capacious, iconic—for the Club World Cup’s group stage battles. Its scale suits this tournament’s ambition—and for fans, it’s a reminder of soccer’s long-arc story in the States.
Quick tips for attendees
Arrive early: Allow 90+ minutes for traffic and entry
Pack light: Only clear bags allowed
Shuttle from Old Pasadena: Park or stay near Old Pasadena for easy transit
Bring sun protection: Afternoon games can be warm, and the June sun can be intense. Sunscreen. Hat. Sunscreen. Hat. And don’t forget sunscreen or a hat.
Stay hydrated: Concessions are plentiful, but lines will form early
Our closing take
This weekend’s matches aren’t just group stage fixtures—they’re cultural occasions. They see Europe, South America, Japan, Mexico, and the U.S. converge in one of North America’s most storied venues. With world-class squads, youthful stars, and seasoned veterans on display, the series promises drama, athleticism, and that global je ne sais quoi.
Enjoy the matches—whether live from the Arroyo Seco, or from your living room, waist-deep in nachos, with the biggest TV you could find.
And, while we’re handing out sports clichés, remember: at a place this grand, with histories this deep, every goal writes a new chapter.
