Back
Afolabi Ezekiel - June 14, 2025
With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup set to feature 32 elite teams from around the globe, anticipation is building over who will rise to the top in each group. From continental champions to domestic powerhouses, the group stage promises thrilling matchups, tactical battles, and surprise twists. Here’s an early look at the most likely winners and runners-up across Groups A to D, based on current form, squad depth, and tournament pedigree.
Palmeiras (Brazil), Porto (Portugal), Al Ahly (Egypt), Inter Miami (USA)
Palmeiras are strong favorites to top Group A at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With a history of recent success under manager Abel Ferreira including domestic titles and Copa Libertadores wins, they boast a well-balanced, tactically flexible squad. Rising star Estevao Willian, along with signings like Vitor Roque and Facundo Torres, gives them both flair and depth. Their consistency and structure set them apart from the rest.
Al Ahly are the likeliest to finish as runners-up. Despite a recent managerial change, the Egyptian giants have a strong track record in this tournament, finishing third four times in recent years. Their experienced core, bolstered by players like Trezeguet and Zizo, gives them the edge especially over an inconsistent Inter Miami side.
Inter Miami, despite featuring Messi, Suarez, and Busquets, have shown major defensive weaknesses and lack team cohesion. Porto, meanwhile, arrive off the back of a poor domestic and European season and are unlikely to mount a serious challenge.
Prediction: Palmeiras to win the group, Al Ahly to finish second.
Paris Saint-Germain (France), Atletico Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), Seattle Sounders (USA)
Group B at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup brings together Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, and Seattle Sounders in what many are calling the tournament’s “Group of Death.” PSG, fresh off a Champions League triumph, are showcasing a new team-first identity under Luis Enrique, leaving behind their superstar-heavy past.
Atletico remain as gritty and organized as ever under Diego Simeone, and their opening clash with PSG promises fireworks after their heated Champions League meeting last year.
Botafogo and Seattle Sounders are the underdogs, but not without ambition.
The Brazilian side has seen its Copa Libertadores-winning squad dismantled, making team chemistry a concern, while Seattle will look to their home advantage and rising star Obed Vargas to punch above their weight. With every team bringing a different threat, Group B is set for dramatic twists and high-stakes football.
Prediction: PSG should top the group, Atletico to finish second.
Bayern Munich (Germany), Benfica (Portugal), Boca Juniors (Argentina), Auckland City (New Zealand)
Bayern Munich are clear favorites to top Group C of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, thanks to their dominant possession-based style under Vincent Kompany and a squad packed with world-class talent.
With Harry Kane leading the attack, supported by Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise, Bayern’s fluid 2-4-4 formation has overwhelmed top European sides. Their ability to control games through midfield dominance and tactical structure should see them breeze past Auckland City, Boca Juniors, and Benfica with relative ease.
Benfica are the likeliest candidates to finish second, despite inconsistencies in the final third. While they’ve struggled to replace key attacking players, their defensive organization anchored by Antonio Silva and Nicolas Otamendi gives them a solid foundation.
Boca Juniors have an attacking flair through Carlos Palacios and veterans like Cavani, but their aging defense could be their undoing. Auckland City, though always spirited, are simply outmatched in this group. In the end, Bayern should win all three games, with Benfica narrowly beating Boca to claim the runner-up spot.
Prediction: Bayern Munich to win the group, Benfica to finish second
Flamengo (Brazil), Chelsea (England), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Los Angeles FC (USA)
Group D of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is shaping up to be a straight duel between Chelsea and Flamengo for the top spot, while LAFC and Esperance de Tunis will hope to play spoilers. Chelsea enters the tournament riding high after a fourth-place Premier League finish and a UEFA Conference League title.
Under Enzo Maresca, they’ve built a tactically sound and possession-heavy side with standout stars like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo. The Blues have also strengthened with the acquisition of Liam Delap and boast enviable squad depth. Their tactical fluidity, which sees them shift into various attacking shapes, gives them an edge, especially in their one-on-one isolation plays on the flanks. Chelsea’s clash with Flamengo on June 20 will likely decide the group winner.
Flamengo, led by former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis, have their own momentum, having lost just once in their last 11 domestic games and clinched the Copa do Brasil. Their style mirrors Chelsea’s in many ways, with a 4-2-3-1 base, high pressing, and full-backs who push high and wide.
However, they tend to rely on fluid front-four combinations, with De Arrascaeta orchestrating attacks and striker Pedro back from injury. Wesley, their dynamic right-back, is a rising star to watch. Despite their quality, Flamengo may lack the defensive discipline and depth to outlast Chelsea. Meanwhile, LAFC and Esperance, though spirited, seem outgunned at this level.
Prediction: Expect Chelsea to finish first and Flamengo to claim second place.
River Plate (Argentina), Inter Milan (Italy), CF Monterrey (Mexico), Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
Group E of the Club World Cup presents a fascinating mix of continental champions and footballing traditions, but Inter Milan are clear favourites to top the group. Despite a bitterly disappointing end to their domestic and European campaigns, the Serie A giants still boast a squad overflowing with talent, experience, and Champions League pedigree.
With Cristian Chivu at the helm and players like Lautaro Martínez, Marcus Thuram, and Alessandro Bastoni leading the charge, Inter’s tactical structure and star power should see them overpower their group opponents. Their opener against Monterrey will be a key tone-setter, while the final fixture against River Plate could be a decider for first place, a game Inter is likely to win, given their superior squad depth and European pedigree.
The battle for second place, however, is far more intriguing. River Plate carry the weight of South American expectation and have the edge in cohesion and quality over Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds. Although Monterrey will be buoyed by the presence of veteran Sergio Ramos and the in-form striker Germán Berterame, River’s defensive solidity under Marcelo Gallardo, coupled with a midfield built around experience and youthful brilliance like Franco Mastantuono, gives them a slight advantage.
Prediction: Inter to top the group, River Plate to claim second place
Fluminense (Brazil), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Ulsan HD (South Korea), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Group F at the 2025 Club World Cup promises a gripping battle, but Borussia Dortmund are tipped to emerge as group winners thanks to their sheer squad depth and recent resurgence under Niko Kovac.
Despite a sluggish domestic campaign, Dortmund ended the 2024-25 season strongly, earning a Champions League spot and nearly pulling off a miraculous comeback against Barcelona in Europe. With high-tempo play, fluid transitions, and a squad boasting top-tier talent like Serhou Guirassy, Julian Brandt, and Niklas Sule, the Bundesliga giants appear too well-oiled for the competition in Group F.
Fluminense pose their biggest threat, with veterans such as Thiago Silva and German Cano adding experience to Renato Gaucho’s dynamic, press-heavy setup. Their Copa Libertadores triumph and balanced squad make them clear favorites to join Dortmund in the knockout stage.
While Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD are not to be taken lightly, both having dominated their respective leagues in recent years, their squad valuations and overall depth fall short of the European and South American powerhouses.
Sundowns may have the flair of Arthur Sales and the experience of Themba Zwane, but their domestic dominance doesn’t always translate to global stages. Ulsan, struggling domestically this season, face a tall order despite boasting international stalwart Kim Young-gwon.
The fixture between Fluminense and Dortmund on June 17 is expected to determine the group leader, while the June 25 clash between Sundowns and Fluminense could be a decider for second place if the Brazilians slip up early.
Prediction: Expect Dortmund to top the group with Fluminense right behind.
Man City (England), Juventus (Italy), Wydad AC (Morocco), Al Ain (United Arab Emirates)
With a stacked Group G featuring European giants Manchester City and Juventus, alongside African powerhouse Wydad AC and Asian champions Al Ain, the pecking order seems relatively clear despite the intriguing storylines. Manchester City, although coming off a less-than-perfect domestic campaign, remain the tournament favourites.
Pep Guardiola’s tactical tweaks and the team’s late-season form suggest they’re poised for a strong run in the U.S., using this competition as a springboard to rebuild momentum. Their recent defensive tightening and sustained attacking quality give them a clear edge, and they’re expected to dispatch Wydad and Al Ain with relative ease before sealing top spot in the group during their highly anticipated showdown with Juventus on June 26.
Juventus, on the other hand, should have just enough pedigree and firepower to secure second place. While their recent managerial instability and lack of recent silverware have kept them off the top tier of European football, the Italian side remains a resilient tournament team.
The emerging talent of Kenan Yildiz could be a deciding factor in tight encounters, especially against a disjointed Wydad AC and a faltering Al Ain. Though Juve upset City in their last meeting, Guardiola’s men will be out for revenge and likely better prepared this time. Still, the Old Lady’s superior quality over the non-European clubs should be enough to see them through to the next round as Group G runners-up.
Prediction: Man City expected to top the group, Juventus should finish in second place
Real Madrid (Spain), FC Salzburg (Austria), Al Hilal (South Africa), CF Pachuca (Mexico)
Group H presents a mix of pedigree, star power, and ambition, but it’s hard to look past Real Madrid as the favorites to top the group. With new head coach Xabi Alonso at the helm, the 15-time European champions will be desperate to bounce back after a rare trophyless campaign.
Madrid’s Galacticos – Mbappe, Vinicius, Bellingham, and Alexander-Arnold bring unmatched quality and depth. Having already won the Club World Cup a record five times, Los Blancos are not just here to participate, they are here to reclaim dominance. Their group-stage matchups look favorable, and even a potentially tricky opener against Al Hilal shouldn’t derail their momentum, especially with their attacking firepower and Alonso’s fresh tactical approach.
Al Hilal, however, should not be underestimated and are firm favorites to finish as runners-up. The Saudi giants boast a spine filled with European talent such as Neves, Milinkovic-Savic, Cancelo, Koulibaly and a reliable goalscorer in Marcos Leonardo. Their recent domestic dominance, including a 34-match unbeaten run in all competitions, proves they are more than just a flashy project.
Though the departure of Jorge Jesus could have destabilized them, caretaker boss Mohammed Al-Shalhoub has steadied the ship and will be eyeing a deep run. Pachuca, despite Salomon Rondon’s evergreen goal threat, lack the squad depth and recent form to contend, while Salzburg, though promising with talents like Oscar Gloukh, may find the experience gap too wide.
Prediction: Expect Real Madrid to win the group, with Al Hilal joining them in the knockout rounds.
