Monterrey earned their spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup by winning the 2021 Concacaf Champions Cup, but they have never finished higher than third in this competition. Their recent Liga MX form saw them finish the 2024-25 Apertura with nine wins from 17 matches, though they struggled defensively, conceding 20 goals.
Head coach Martin Demichelis will be buoyed by the home-like advantage at the Rose Bowl, where all three of Monterrey’s group stage matches will be played. However, they face a tough test against Inter, who have lost just once in their last seven competitive matches. Monterrey’s recent record against European sides is mixed.
Internazionale have been in fine form, finishing second in Serie A last season and reaching the UEFA Champions League final. The Nerazzurri have kept just three clean sheets in their last 10 games and scored 14 goals in their past seven competitive outings, with captain Lautaro Martinez leading the charge. Inter are unbeaten in their last three encounters with CONCACAF sides, including a 3-0 win over Pachuca in 2010.
The Nerazzurri have been solid on the road, winning three of their last seven away matches across all competitions. Inter’s ability to control possession and exploit transitions could pose problems for Monterrey, who have conceded six goals in their last four games.
Both teams are in Group E alongside River Plate and Urawa Red Diamonds, with the top two advancing to the knockout stage. A positive result here could set the tone for their campaigns.
Monterrey Club World Cup form:
Monterrey form (all competitions):
Internazionale Club World Cup form:
Internazionale form (all competitions):
Team News
As per our most recent findings football facts, Monterrey could see Sergio Canales pulling the strings in midfield, with the former Real Madrid man ranking first in Liga MX for crosses (176) this season. Nelson Deossa is likely to join him, offering dynamism, while German Berterame is expected to lead the line as the lone striker.
Defensively, Demichelis may opt for a back four of Stefan Medina, Victor Guzman, Hector Moreno, and Gerardo Arteaga, with Esteban Andrada in goal. There are no major injury concerns, though Brandon Vazquez could push for a start after scoring twice in his last three games.
For Inter, Lautaro Martinez is set to spearhead the attack, supported by Marcus Thuram and Federico Dimarco or Denzel Dumfries on the flanks. In midfield, Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu are likely to start, with Piotr Zielinski vying for a spot.
The backline could feature Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni, with Yann Sommer between the sticks. Inter have a fully fit squad, giving Inzaghi plenty of options.
Monterrey possible starting lineup: Andrada; Medina, Guzman, Moreno, Arteaga; Canales, Deossa, Rodriguez; Corona, Berterame, Ocampos
Internazionale possible starting lineup: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
We say: Monterrey 1-2 Internazionale
Monterrey’s familiarity with the Rose Bowl and their attacking talent make them a threat, but Inter’s superior quality and depth should shine through. The Nerazzurri’s clinical finishing, led by Martinez, is likely to exploit Monterrey’s defensive vulnerabilities, securing a narrow victory to kick off their Club World Cup campaign.
