The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup trophy
The FIFA Club World Cup is underway in the United States, with some exciting matches already played. Bayern Munich made headlines by demolishing Auckland City 10-0 with a full-strength side.
Harry Kane, Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise, and Thomas Müller all featured and they didn’t hold back.
After the game, Olise was asked if he felt bad for the New Zealand minnows. “Nope,” he replied.
With a potential £100 million jackpot at stake for the winners, clubs are going all out for glory, knowing the prize fund could significantly boost their transfer budgets ahead of the new season.
Thirty-two teams have qualified for the final round of the Club World Cup tournament, divided into eight groups.
Let’s take a look at the top contenders, focusing on Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.
1. PSG
Starting with the favourites, PSG look set to be serious trouble for many teams. Luis Enrique’s men began their campaign with a big win against the toughest opponent in their group, Atletico Madrid.
Although they suffered their first defeat yesterday against Botafogo, their next match against the Seattle Sounders should be more straightforward. They’re in a strong position to cruise into the knockout stages.
PSG are backed to win the competition at 3/1 by Betfair, which comes as no surprise given their status as European champions. They’re also rated at 17/10 to reach the final in New York on July 13.
2. Real Madrid
Second favourites behind PSG are Real Madrid. The Spanish giants, with a record 15 Champions League titles and five previous Club World Cup trophies, are eager to stamp their mark on this new format by winning it at the first attempt. Betfair currently lists their odds at 9/2.
With Xabi Alonso taking charge as manager, and a squad boasting superstars like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Kylian Mbappé, who recently missed a 1-1 draw with Al Hilal due to acute gastroenteritis, Madrid are stacked with quality.
They’ve also reinforced with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, giving them the depth to go the distance in the U.S. this summer.
3. Manchester City
Manchester City are rated at 5/1 to win the Club World Cup. The 2023 treble winners, led by Pep Guardiola, are used to competing on multiple fronts and won’t be fazed by the challenges ahead. They opened their campaign with a deserved 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia.
City’s squad includes the prolific Erling Haaland and is bolstered by new signings such as Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, Wolves fullback Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Chelsea goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.
4. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich head into their next match against Boca Juniors full of confidence after thrashing Auckland City in their opener.
Under new manager Vincent Kompany, the German champions are hoping fresh tactical ideas and a talented squad can carry them deep into the tournament. Harry Kane is the focal point in attack after a stellar debut season in Bavaria, supported by stars like Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise.
5. Chelsea
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca fielded a strong starting XI in their 2-0 win over LAFC, including Premier League regulars Cole Palmer, Moisés Caicedo, and Nicolas Jackson.
Betfair gives the Blues 9/1 odds to win the trophy, just behind Bayern Munich at 13/2. With Champions League football secured for next season, this tournament serves as a perfect test against elite opposition.
Chelsea are in a relatively easy group with LAFC, Flamengo, and ES Tunis, and they’ll be keen to go far. Backed by new signing Liam Delap, they’ll be desperate to land that £100 million windfall to further strengthen their squad.
These top clubs will face stiff competition from other sides, but their quality and depth make them the ones to watch in this summer’s Club World Cup.
PM/MA
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with Swedru All Blacks historian Kwaw Annam