Club World Cup 2025: Real Madrid to PSG - Who Will Win the Tournament? Five Favourites Revealed

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The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, with an expanded 32-team format, is just a few days away from commence. The tournament will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, featuring clubs from all six FIFA confederations.

With a $1 billion prize pool and a revamped structure mirroring the FIFA World Cup, the competition is expected to bring a new era of intense battles for global supremacy.

Along with the European giants, like Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, there will also be many clubs from other continents, bringing in tactical diversities and passionate fan bases. While Europe\'s clubs are expected to dominate with their financial muscle, world-class talents and rich pedigree, South America’s Flamengo and River Plate are also hoped to bring resistance. From Asia, Al Hilal stands out, blending many talented global imports. Inter Miami, from the host’s side, will also get a chance to prove themselves in the global arena, along with their star-studded attacking line-up.

FIFA CWC 2025: Top Five Teams Who Can Win the Newly Formatted Club World Cup

Paris Saint-Germain (France)

The reigning champions of Europe, PSG will enter the tournament with a refreshed squad led by stars like Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue. Thanks to their strong attacking options and a favourable group draw, they are certainly a dark horse in the CWC. Their squad depth and excellent momentum make them a formidable force, and their first appearance in this tournament will add extra motivation.

Manchester City (England)

As the defending champions from 2023, Manchester City brings experience and a proven track record under Pep Guardiola, who has won the Club World Cup multiple times. Despite a trophyless 2024-25 domestic season, the return of 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri will bolster their midfield. However, though they are put into a comparatively easier group, a potential Round of 16 clash with Real Madrid looms. The departure of Kevin de Bruyne, along with other reported key departures, has been a blow to the City squad depth. However, signings from the last winter window and the latest joiners like Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait Nouri are expected to replenish the loss but are yet to be proven on the field.

Real Madrid (Spain)

Real Madrid, the most successful club in Club World Cup history with five titles, remains a powerhouse despite a mixed domestic campaign. With their newly appointed manager, Xabi Alonso, and new signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, Los Blancos have a formidable squad to dominate the tournament. The presence of players like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde and Antonio Rudiger will provide the necessary experience required in a high-stakes tournament like this. Their Champions League pedigree and ability to perform under pressure will make them a serious contender for CWC 2025.

Inter Milan (Italy)

Inter Milan, runners-up in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, has emerged as a European powerhouse under Simone Inzaghi. Their balanced squad, featuring stars like Lautaro Martínez and Nicolo Barella, combines tactical discipline with attacking flair. In the group stage, River Plate could be a potent challenge for the Serie A side. However, despite being consistent they failed in the major occasions multiple times in this season. Hence, it will be a chance for them to have redemption by winning this title.

Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

As the only Saudi Pro League representative, Al Hilal stands out as a non-European powerhouse. Their star-studded squad, featuring Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joao Cancelo combines European experience with domestic dominance. Having won the 2021 AFC Champions League and the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal has the pedigree to challenge top teams. Their Group H matchup against Real Madrid will be a rematch of the thrilling 2022 Club World Cup final, and their ability to upset European giants makes them a wildcard.

While European clubs dominate the favourites list due to their financial and star-studded squad, the expanded format opens the door for surprises. PSG and Manchester City are leading the race with their squad depth and current forms, while Real Madrid’s historical dominance and Inter\'s consistent performance make them strong contenders. Al Hilal represents the best hope for a non-European champion, with their blend of global stars and regional success.