Club World Cup Preview
Well, the tournament nobody asked for is almost upon us, and Giana Infantino is finishing up his mental press tour to push people to actually try and care about the Club World Cup. What started as a strange proposition from the FIFA boss has escalated and been pushed with prize money, club invitations that nobody really understands, and questionable TV deals to stream the competition around the World. For the US hosts, it’s a chance to warm-up ahead of next years World Cup, but offers a proposition for fans to fill their post-season time with the gap between seasons closing smaller and smaller each year.
In this preview, we will give a brief explainer on what the tournament is, how it works, when it will take place and where, we will also break down each group to explain where each side will be playing and making a brief prediction for the group stages.
We will be doing occasional posts on this tournament for the next few weeks, but don’t worry you won’t be flooded with content on this if you’re really not interested. But we felt it our duty to at least mention a tournament filled with big clubs from around the world.
As always, if you have any thoughts on this tournament, whether you will be watching or not, and who you’re predicting to go all the way for the inaugural re-brand title, get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).
Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Who: 12 teams from UEFA (Champions League winners + top clubs by coefficient), 6 teams from CONMEBOL (Libertadores winners + ranking based selections), 4 teams from AFC, CAF, CONCACAF (Continental winners + ranking based selections), 1 team from OFC (Auckland City), 1 team from host nation (Inter Miami).
What: Featuring an expanded 32‑team field in eight groups of four, the top two teams from each group advance to the round of 16, followed by single‑leg knockout rounds, including quarters, semis, and the final. Notably, there is no third-place playoff.
Where: 12 U.S. stadiums in 11 cities, starting in Miami and concluding with the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
When: June 15th to July 13th 2025.
Why: Nobody really knows, although it feels like a big push from FIFA bosses to satisfy those who asked for a Super League, while also cashing in as a possible rival to the Champions League. With the World Cup hosts putting on the tournament, it feels sensible to have a trial run, but the tournament objectively falls apart when you look at teams qualifying and the actual desire from clubs, players and fans to actually engage in the competition.
Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami
Brazilian side Palmeiras return as continental champions, bringing tactical rigidity and a wealth of Libertadores success, firm favourites to top the group. FC Porto, representing UEFA, offer a blend of youthful creativity and European structure. Expect them to challenge fiercely for second spot. Egypt’s Al Ahly, Africa’s most-crowned club, rely on rock-solid defensive blocks and reactive transitions. The wildcard is Inter Miami, hosts and MLS Supporters’ Shield winners, featuring Lionel Messi among their stars, a boost in both morale and global attention.
Clash to Note:
Messi vs Palmeiras – South America’s reigning power facing their continental icon sets the tone.
Prediction:
- Palmeiras
- Inter Miami
- Porto
- Al Ahly
Group B: Paris Saint‑Germain, Atlético Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
A heavyweight European tie kicks things off as PSG and Atlético duel for early advantage. PSG’s attacking prowess and recent Champions League victory contrasts with Atlético’s defensive resilience under Simeone. Brazil’s Botafogo, 2024 Copa Libertadores winners, bring flair and continental hunger. MLS’s Seattle Sounders boast formidable stadium support and midfield grit.
Clash to Note:
PSG vs Atletico – A battle of 2 European powerhouses, one coming off the Champions League success, the other with historic records of overachieving in these types of competitions.
Prediction:
- PSG
- Atlético
- Botafogo
- Seattle
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica
Bayern Munich, one of Europe’s elite, bring experience and efficiency, clear group favourites. Argentine powerhouses Boca Juniors boast Libertadores tradition and an unfazed mentality in high tides. Portuguese side Benfica counter with structured build-ups and continental pedigree. Auckland City, Oceania’s champions, will rely on team unity and counter-attacks.
Clash to Note:
Bayern vs Boca – European might against South American edge.
Prediction:
- Bayern
- Benfica
- Boca
- Auckland City
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, LAFC
Brazil’s Flamengo, achieved Copa Libertadores glory in 2022, pack audacious attack and continental swagger. ES Tunis, African champions, are adept at disciplined, low-block football peppered with sharp counters. Chelsea after their Conference League success and Champions League qualification, have begun transfer business early as they will be sure to push for success in this competition. LAFC, MLS contenders hosted on U.S. soil, bring athleticism and attacking drive.
Clash to Note:
Chelsea vs Flamengo – European structure vs South American flair under U.S. lights.
Prediction:
- Chelsea
- LAFC
- Flamengo
- ES Tunis
Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey, Inter
River Plate, with continental experience and tactical versatility, aim to control tempo. Japanese champions Urawa Red Diamonds bring disciplined possession-focused football. Monterrey, Mexico’s CONCACAF champions, combine organisation with physical persistence. Europe’s Inter Milan contend with compact defending and counter strategies, but are coming off a disappointing end to their season which has already seen a huge transition in their management.
Clash to Note:
River Plate vs Inter – South American flair vs Italian pragmatism.
Prediction:
- River Plate
- Inter
- Monterrey
- Urawa
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns
Borussia Dortmund, with high-energy pressing and a prolific attack, headline the group. Fluminense, Libertadores winners in 2023, offer a mix of youthful dynamism and seasoned poise. Ulsan Hyundai, AFC Champions League semi-finalists, focus on tactical shape and countering. Mamelodi Sundowns, South African powerhouses, showcase technical unity and fluid transitions.
Clash to Note:
Dortmund vs Fluminense – end-to-end battle of contrasting styles.
Prediction:
- Dortmund
- Fluminense
- Sundowns
- Ulsan HD
Group G: Manchester City, Juventus, Wydad AC, Al Ain
Defending champions of this competition Manchester City, pulsating through powerhouse play and Erling Haaland’s goal threat, remain firm favourites. Italian stalwarts Juventus, founded on defence-first tradition, look to offset City’s attack. Moroccan Wydad AC utilize CAF pedigree and countering prowess. UAE’s Al Ain, AFC champions, sit as group’s ranked underdogs.
Clash to Note:
City vs Juventus – a tactical heavyweight showdown.
Prediction:
- Manchester City
- Juventus
- Wydad
- Al Ain
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Red Bull Salzburg
A five-time champion, Real Madrid, arrive as pace-setters in global club football, with world-class talent throughout and a determination to become champions following the rebrand of this competition. Saudi champions Al Hilal are rich in experience, technical pay, and physicality. Mexican side Pachuca brings fast-paced tactics and youthful exuberance. Salzburg, Austria’s champions, are compact, athletic, and scouted for upsets.
Clash to Note:
Real Madrid vs Al Hilal – European pedigree confronting Middle Eastern quality.
Prediction:
- Real Madrid
- Al Hilal
- Salzburg
- Pachuca
As always, if you have any thoughts on this tournament, whether you will be watching or not, and who you’re predicting to go all the way for the inaugural re-brand title, get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).