Monterrey returns to the most prestigious international club competition after five previous appearances that mostly ended in disappointment. With renewed ambition and preparation, the club hopes that its sixth attempt will finally bring the recognition they seek on the global stage.
Los Rayados have taken part in five editions of the FIFA Club World Cup (2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, and 2022), where they have finished fifth three times and claimed third place twice:
- Japan 2011, 5th Place: After losing on penalties in their debut against Kashiwa Reysol, Monterrey won the consolation match 3–2 against Espérance de Tunis.
- Japan 2012, 3rd Place: They beat Ulsan Hyundai 3–1 in the quarterfinals, then fell 3–1 to European giants Chelsea. Los Rayados went on to defeat Egypt’s Al Ahly 2–0 to claim third place.
- Morocco 2013, 5th Place: Monterrey were knocked out in extra time by Raja Casablanca, but rebounded with a 5–1 win over Al Ahly to take fifth place.
- Qatar 2019, 3rd Place: Los Rayados equalled their best-ever finish by beating Al Hilal on penalties (4–3) after a 2–2 draw in regular time.
- Qatar 2022, 5th Place: Al Ahly once again got the better of Monterrey, winning 1–0 in the opening round. Monterrey bounced back with a 3–1 win over Al Jazira to secure fifth place.
The club from northern Mexico remains one of the region’s most decorated, with a growing international profile. In recent transfer windows, Monterrey has made headlines by signing big-name players such as Sergio Canales, Óliver Torres, Lucas Ocampos, Tecatito Corona, and a four-time UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup winner, Sergio Ramos.
Los Rayados qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup by winning the 2020/21 Concacaf Champions Cup, defeating Club América in the final. The five-time continental champions occupy one of the five Concacaf slots for the tournament, alongside Pachuca, Seattle Sounders, LAFC, and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Read here for our breakdown of Club Pachuca, Mexico's other participant at this summer's FIFA Club World Cup:
- Mexico’s Representative at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Club Pachuca
A new man in charge
After being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Liga MX Clausura by eventual champions Toluca FC, Monterrey dismissed manager Martín Demichelis despite high expectations. Following weeks of speculation, the club appointed Spanish coach Domènec Torrent.
Though Torrent’s only prior experience in Mexico was with Atlético San Luis, he brings an impressive résumé, having worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. He also held managerial roles at Flamengo and Galatasaray.
Group E opponents
Following the draw, Monterrey was placed in Group E alongside South American giant River Plate, Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds, and 2025 UEFA Champions League runners-up Inter Milan.
1. Inter Milan
Market value: Club squad valued at approximately €650–700 million on Transfermarkt
Star players: Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez headline their attack, contributing 26 goals between them in Serie A this season.
2. River Plate
Market value: Transfermarkt lists their squad at around €300–350 million.
One of South America’s most successful clubs, Los Millonarios are the record league winners in Argentina, with 38 titles, and have lifted the Copa Libertadores four times.
3. Urawa Red Diamonds
Market value: Estimated at €50–70 million on Transfermarkt.
One of Japan’s top clubs, the Tokyo side are the underdog of the group despite being one of the strongest clubs in Asia.
Squad Reinforcements
To strengthen the squad for the tournament, Monterrey signed two key reinforcements:
- Johan Rojas: A Colombian midfielder on loan from Necaxa, brought in specifically for the Club World Cup.
- Santiago Mille: A Uruguayan goalkeeper with international experience, known for his leadership and aerial presence. Mille joins Monterrey on a permanent deal through 2029.
In addition to these reinforcements, the team boasts a high-caliber roster featuring four players with extensive international experience:
- Sergio Ramos: One of the greatest central defenders in history, Ramos joined Monterrey at the start of the year on a six-month deal to lead the backline and captain the squad.
- Sergio Canales: The Spanish playmaker is a cornerstone of the team’s attack. Accordin to Footy Stats in the season 2024/2025 Canales scored 17 goals and had 12 assists.
- Lucas Ocampos: The Argentine winger is a household name in Europe, winning the UEFA Europa League with Sevilla. Whilst he is returning from injury, the 30-year-old is still expected to be a key attacking threat this summer.
- Jesús 'Tecatito' Corona: The Mexican international returns to Los Rayados after ten years in Europe, racking up 71 appearances for his country in the meantime.
Fixtures
This is how the group stage calendar looks for Monterrey. All Group E matches will be played at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles:
Tuesday, June 17 – 7:00 PM (CST)
VS. Inter Milan
Saturday, June 21 – 7:00 PM (CST)
VS. River Plate
Wednesday, June 25 – 7:00 PM (CST)
VS. Urawa Red Diamonds
With a talented squad and fresh ideas under their new coach, Monterrey aims to raise the profile of Mexican and Concacaf football, hoping to go one better than their two third-place finishes and achieve their best-ever result at the Club World Cup.
How far do you think Monterrey will go in the FIFA Club World Cup? Let us know!
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