The FIFA Club World Cup has undergone a significant transformation for its 2025 edition, evolving into a grander spectacle than ever before. Moving beyond its previous seven-team format, this revamped tournament will feature an unprecedented 32 clubs from across every continent. They will all be vying for a dramatically increased prize pool totaling $1 billion.
This expanded competition aims to settle long-standing debates about global club hierarchies and determine where different leagues and regions truly stand in the soccer world. From European powerhouses to hopeful underdogs, the stage is set for a month of intense competition from June 14 to July 13.
Top Tier: Europe’s Frontrunners
Western European clubs enter the tournament as clear favorites, occupying the top tier of power rankings. Strong performances and revamped lineups have influenced soccer betting trends; odds have shifted in favor of the following teams that have stood out in the eyes of bettors.
Paris Saint-Germain holds the top spot, having recently proven its dominance by winning the UEFA Champions League with a commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. Their fluid attacking line demonstrates ingenuity and skill. A key concern for them is their physical and mental state after their cathartic European triumph.
Real Madrid is another formidable contender, entering a new “galactic era” under coach Xabi Alonso. The Spanish giants recently bolstered their squad with the signings of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Bayern Munich also ranks among the top four, despite a season considered “unremarkable” by their high standards. They remain a consistently high-performing team in contention for multiple trophies.
Manchester City, after recovering from a perceived “fall,” showed resilience over the final 12 weeks of their Premier League season. They emerged as the best team in England. The return of Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, significantly boosts their chances.
Tier Two: Established Challengers
Beyond the top four, several other European clubs are considered strong contenders, forming the “blue-blood” tier. Chelsea endured a challenging winter but evolved into a more balanced team with a broader array of potential difference-makers, moving beyond their previous reliance on Cole Palmer.
Inter Milan is still a capable force despite a recent emphatic defeat in the Champions League final. Cracks have been appearing, and their older squad faces little time to rest. Their manager, Simone Inzaghi, has also departed for Al Hilal.
Borussia Dortmund experienced a significant turnaround in the latter part of their season under new coach Niko Kovac, becoming the hottest team in Germany and scoring 26 goals in eight games.
Atlético Madrid is renowned for its defensive tenacity and grit. How they will fare as heavy favorites against perceived weaker teams remains an open question. Juventus, despite losing only four Serie A games, accumulated 16 draws, leading to a “mediocre” overall performance.
Tier Three: Fringe Hopefuls
While European teams often dominate, South America provides strong challenges from its “frisky, fringe contenders” tier. Flamengo arrives as the hottest team in Brazil, featuring key players like Giorgian De Arrascaeta and manager Felipe Luís. They are capable of challenging top-tier teams.
Palmeiras has been the most consistent non-European team since 2020, securing back-to-back Copa Libertadores and Brasileiro Série A titles and consistently boasting the best Expected Goal Differential in South America’s toughest league. Keep an eye on 18-year-old forward Estêvão, expected to join Chelsea after the tournament.
From Europe, Benfica, a premier selling club, consistently boasts intriguing talent and could win several knockout games. This tournament might also be the last chance to see Ángel Di María on a global stage.
FC Porto is not at its vintage best, completing its worst season in over a decade, but 18-year-old playmaker Rodrigo Mora is a rising star. The Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal, though its manager Jorge Jesus was recently sacked, boasts a well-built squad with former European stars such as Rúben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrović.
Tier Four: Dark Horses
Beyond the traditional contenders, several clubs from North America and Africa present intriguing prospects in the “best of the rest” tier. River Plate from Argentina, while recently laboring and featuring an aging squad, possesses valuable experience. At least eight players have appeared for the Argentine national team.
Monterrey boasts the most expensive squad in Mexican soccer. Despite their talent, they have won less than half their games in 2025 and haven’t projected a “Cinderella” aura. Nevertheless, they are considered the strongest of CONCACAF’s five representatives.
Al Ahly from Egypt enters with significant credibility. They are the only professional club to win three continental titles in the four-year qualification period. Despite lacking “buzzy names,” they have a strong record, winning games at five consecutive iterations of the former Club World Cup.
Botafogo of Brazil, once a Tier 3 contender, has settled back into the middle of their domestic league table after losing some key players. RB Salzburg from Austria appears somewhat out of place among Europe’s representatives, having finished second in UEFA’s 13th-ranked league.
The Host City and Long Shots
The tournament’s location in the United States brings a particular focus to MLS teams, though they are generally considered long shots. LAFC is a sturdy team with a rejiggered midfield. French forward Denis Bouanga has been prolific, scoring or assisting 64 MLS goals since the start of 2023.
Inter Miami, while having a new coach and sporting director with ties to Lionel Messi, has struggled to find consistency despite a strong start to 2025. However, the presence of Lionel Messi, still bamboozling defenders at 37, ensures global attention and a potential for the unexpected, even if Miami is unlikely to mount a serious challenge.
Fluminense from Brazil, unlike their more consistent compatriots, has had a “fluky” presence in the tournament, marked by inconsistent Série A finishes.
A Global Showdown on the Horizon
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup represents a significant shift in the global soccer landscape. This tournament that was once perceived as a low-stakes exhibition is now one of the most prestigious.
While European giants like Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are heavily favored, the expanded 32-team format promises a diverse field of competitors. This includes resilient South American powerhouses and intriguing dark horses from Africa and North America.
This monumental event is designed to answer questions about the global hierarchy of club football. It offers a unique opportunity to see how teams from different continents will compare on the grandest stage.
