Club World Cup Preview
Have you ever wondered how the top teams from the MLS would stack up against the biggest clubs from around the world? We'll find out in a few days. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held in the U.S. from June 14 to July 13, features 32 teams in eight groups, with the top two per group advancing. A $1 billion prize pool provides added excitement to the competition. The opening match features Inter Miami, Lionel Messi's team, hosting Al Ahly, an Egyptian team. Neither team is expected to advance past the group stage but both will feel they are capable of winning the opener. The favorites to win the inaugural event are Real Madrid, PGS, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Dark horse picks include Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus, Below is a preview of the eight groups along with the odds of each team winning its group.Group ASE Palmeiras (BRA) +180FC Porto (POR) +140Al Ahly FC (EGY) +300Inter Miami CF (USA) +900Inter Miami: Led by Lionel Messi, Inter Miami brings star power with veterans like Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba. Miami's attacking fluidity, built around Messi’s playmaking, gives them a puncher's chance. However, their defensive vulnerabilities and reliance on aging stars are likely to be exploited. Playing at home in the U.S. gives them a crowd advantage but a lack of experience against top global clubs will likely be a factor. Miami's opening match against Al Ahly on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium will show us a lot.Al Ahly: The African champions, featuring winger Hussein El Shahat, are known for their disciplined defense and counter-attacking prowess. El Shahat’s pace and creativity, combined with a robust midfield, make Al Ahly a tough opponent. Experience in high-stakes continental competitions gives them an outside shot at advancing.Palmeiras: Young star Estêvão, who recently turned 18, is nicknamed “Messinho.” A name you'll get to know, he brings dynamism to Palmeiras’ attack. Coached by Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras' balanced squad combines physicality and tactical discipline with flair. With Estêvão exploiting tired defenses late in games, they've got a good shot at a top-two spot.Porto : Porto’s attack offers pace and clinical finishing. Porto's European experience and tactical versatility under Sérgio Conceição make them one of the favorites in Group A. It won't be easy but Porto’s ability to grind out results should see them sneak into the knockout stage..Group BParis Saint-Germain (FRA) -140Atlético de Madrid (ESP) +150Botafogo (BRA) +1000Seattle Sounders FC (USA) +2000PSG: We just saw Paris Saint-Germain dominate the Champions League. Will that provide momentum or a hangover? PSG's strong defense and attacking depth make them a favorite. Not just for the group but for the entire tournament.Atlético Madrid: Julian Alvarez, the Argentine striker, leads Atlético’s attack with his clinical finishing and work rate. Diego Simeone’s trademark defensive solidity and counter-attacking style make them a tough test for any team. Alvarez’s ability to score against top defenses could be decisive. They may or may not top PSG but they should have more than enough to advance to the knockout stage.Botafogo: Botafogo’s Brazilian flair, led by players like Luiz Henrique or Júnior Santos, brings unpredictability. The Brazilian's high-pressing, attacking style could trouble PSG and Atlético. Howwever, their defensive lapses are likely to cost them against the more disciplined European sides. Playing with South American passion, they’re a dark horse for the second spot.Seattle Sounders: As hosts, Seattle benefits from home advantage and a raucous crowd. Their MLS experience, with players like Jordan Morris and a solid defensive unit, makes them competitive. However, their lack of depth compared to European and South American sides is likely to limit them. The Sounders are more likely spoilers rather than contenders.Group CFC Bayern München (GER) -200Auckland City FC (NZL) +10000CA Boca Juniors (ARG) +400SL Benfica (POR) +300Bayern Munich: Powered by Harry Kane’s lethal finishing, Bayern are the clear favorites in Group C. Bayern's attacking depth, with players like Leroy Sané and Joshua Kimmich make them formidable. The Germans' high-pressing, possession-based style should dominate, but they must avoid complacency against scrappy underdogs.Boca Juniors: Miguel Merentiel’s goal-scoring instinct and Boca’s passionate, physical style make for a dangerous team. Boca's experience in hostile environments and its ability to grind out results provide a chance to advance. The game against Benefica will likely determine a lot.Benfica: Nicolás Otamendi’s leadership at the back provides defensive stability, while Benfica’s young talents like João Mário add flair. Benefica's balanced squad and European experience make them a strong contender for the second spot. However, they’ll need to outmuscle Boca’s intensity.Auckland City: The perennial Oceania champions rely on their underdog spirit and cohesive team play. While Auckland lacks the star power of its Group 3 rivals, its disciplined approach could frustrate opponents. A win or draw against Boca or Benfica would be a massive upset; an 0-3 record seems more likely.Group DCR Flamengo (BRA) +250Espérance Sportive de Tunis (TUN) +4000Chelsea FC (ENG) -200Club León (MEX) +550Chelsea: Cole Palmer’s creativity and goal-scoring form make Chelsea a force. Their young, dynamic squad, potentially under coach Enzo Maresca, blends pace and power. Their depth should see them top the group, but they must avoid underestimating Flamengo’s flair.Flamengo: Pedro’s lethal finishing and Flamengo’s attacking verve make them a serious contender. Their high-pressing, fluid style could exploit Chelsea’s occasional defensive lapses. South American experience in big tournaments gives them an edge for the second spot.Espérance de Tunis: The North African giants rely on tactical discipline and physicality. While they lack the star power of their rivals, their ability to grind out results could make them competitive. A surprise draw or win would shake up the group.Club León: Though likely to finish third in the group, this is a talented Mexican squad which has a chance to surprise. Group ECA River Plate (ARG) +225Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) +2000CF Monterrey (MEX) +2000FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) -250Inter Milan: Lautaro Martínez’s clinical finishing and leadership drive Inter’s ambitions. Simone Inzaghi’s compact, counter-attacking style makes them a tough matchup. Their experience in European competitions positions them well for a top-two finish.River Plate: Claudio Echeverri, the young playmaker, adds creativity to River’s attack. Their high-intensity, attacking style could trouble European defenses. However, their defensive frailties might be exposed by Chelsea. Should finish second in the group. Urawa Red Diamonds: The Japanese club will battle CF Monterrey for third place in the group. CF Monterrey: The Mexican club will battle Urawa for third place in the group. Group FFluminense FC (BRA) +200Borussia Dortmund (GER) -200Ulsan HD (KOR) +1200Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA) +2500Borussia Dortmund: Serhou Guirassy’s goal-scoring form (if he remains) powers Dortmund’s attack. Their high-energy, pressing style under a coach like Edin Terzić suits the tournament’s intensity. They’re favorites but must avoid defensive errors against Fluminense’s veterans.Fluminense: Thiago Silva’s experience and leadership anchor Fluminense’s defense. Their possession-based style, with players like André and Germán Cano, could trouble Dortmund. Their ability to compete in tight games makes them a strong candidate for the second spot.Ulsan HD: Known for their resolute defense, Ulsan will look to frustrate opponents and capitalize on set pieces. Their disciplined approach could earn draws, but their lack of attacking flair might limit their chances against top sides.Mamelodi Sundowns: Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s attacking contributions make Sundowns a threat. Their blend of physicality and technical ability could surprise, but they’ll need to be clinical to compete with Dortmund and Fluminense’s experience.Group GManchester City (ENG) -250Wydad AC (MAR) +5000Al Ain FC (UAE) +2500Juventus FC (ITA) +200Juventus: Dusan Vlahović’s physicality and finishing lead Juventus’ charge. Their defensive solidity under Thiago Motta (if still in charge) makes them a tough opponent. They’re likely to secure the second spot but must contain Madrid’s attack.Al Ain: Soufiane Rahimi’s flair and goal-scoring ability make Al Ain dangerous on the counter. Their Asian Champions League success gives them confidence, but they’ll need to be defensively perfect to compete with Madrid and Juventus.Manchester City: Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring machine status makes City favorites. Pep Guardiola’s tactical mastery, combined with players like Rodri and Phil Foden, ensures dominance. Their ability to control games through possession and press should overwhelm most opponents, but Inter’s organization could test them. Wydad Casablanca: Known for their staunch defense, Wydad will look to frustrate opponents and hit on the counter. Their physicality and set-piece prowess could cause problems, but their lack of attacking depth may limit their chances against top-tier sides.Group HReal Madrid C. F. (ESP) -600Al Hilal (KSA) +800CF Pachuca (MEX) +2200FC Salzburg (AUT) +900Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé’s arrival adds explosive pace to an already formidable attack with Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham. Their talent and experience in big tournaments makes Madrid clear favorites in the group. Their depth and adaptability should see them dominate.Al Hilal: Al Hilal’s depth with players like Malcom and Mitrović makes them dangerous. They'll battle with Salzburg for second in the group; their big-game experience in Asia positions them as dark horses. Salzburg (Austria, UEFA): Salzburg’s youth-driven approach, with talents like Karim Konaté, brings energy and unpredictability. Their high-pressing, attacking style could cause trouble. I like their chances of finishing second Pachuca: Salomón Rondón’s physicality and finishing make Pachuca a wildcard. Their fast-paced, attacking style suits the tournament, but their defensive frailties could be exposed by Barcelona and Al-Nassr’s star power.
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