The Club World Cup kicks off on Saturday, and that means that it’s time to take a look at the old crystal ball to predict the outcome of the tournament. With teams coming off of tough seasons and it being a revamped competition, it may be tough to tell who will take it seriously out of the gate, but in these competitions, talent and depth usually rise to the top.
Did you know that you can watch the entire 2025 FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZN (for free)?
That’s something that could spell doom for teams in Major League Soccer who are constrained by the salary cap from building teams that can compete with the rest of the world, but with Inter Miami, the Seattle Sounders, and Los Angeles FC, they’ll have a good chance to show what they can do in the Club World Cup. It’s always good to expect a few surprises in tournaments like this, so let’s get to taking a look at how things shake out.
Group stage
|
Porto |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
+6 |
9 |
|
Palmeiras |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
+1 |
6 |
|
Inter Miami |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
-1 |
3 |
|
Al Ahly |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
6 |
-5 |
0 |
Matchday 1
Al Ahly 1, Inter Miami 2
Palmeiras 0, Porto 2
Matchday 2
Palmeiras 2, Al Ahly 0
Inter Miami 1, Porto 2
Matchday 3
Inter Miami 1, Palmeiras 2
Porto 2, Al Ahly 0
Group A is a closely contested group. It’s clear that Porto should be the team to win, and as long as they can defeat one of Inter Miami or Palmeiras, they will be on their way. What things come down to is Matchday 3, when Inter Miami face the Brazilian side. I tend to lean on Palmeiras’ experience in competitions of this nature, while the Herons have struggled in knockout tournaments.
|
Atletico Madrid |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
2 |
+5 |
7 |
|
PSG |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
3 |
+4 |
7 |
|
Botafogo |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
7 |
-3 |
3 |
|
Seattle Sounders |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
8 |
-6 |
0 |
Matchday 1
PSG 1, Atletico Madrid 1
Botafogo 2, Seattle Sounders 1
Matchday 2
Seattle Sounders 0, Atletico Madrid 3
PSG 3, Botafogo 1
Matchday 3
Seattle Sounders 1, PSG 3
Atletico Madrid 3, Botafogo 1
Another MLS team bites the dust as the Seattle Sounders were thrown into an immensely tough group with the champions of Europe in PSG and an absolute powerhouse in Atletico Madrid. Botofogo are relly talented as well, but when placed against the other sides in Group B, it would be tough sledding for anyone. The top of the group is only separated by goal difference in what becomes a fascinating battle to see who scores more on Matchday 3.
|
Bayern Munich |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
1 |
+6 |
7 |
|
Benfica |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
+5 |
7 |
|
Boca Juniors |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
-4 |
1 |
|
Auckland City |
3 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
-6 |
1 |
Matchday 1
Bayern Munich 4, Auckland City 0
Boca Juniors 0, Benfica 2
Matchday 2
Benfica 3, Auckland City 0
Bayern Munich 2, Boca Juniors 0
Matchday 3
Auckland City 0, Boca Juniors 0
Benfica 1, Bayern Munich 1
It’s a growing trend as the top teams in the group draw in their match since teams will still want to avoid injuries. There’s no need for gamesmanship and avoiding teams in the round of 16 because it’s nothing but tough customers waiting there. Auckland City, the only amateur team in the competition, will secure a landmark result before it’s all said and done, drawing Boca Juniors.
|
Chelsea |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
+3 |
7 |
|
Flamengo |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
3 |
+2 |
5 |
|
LAFC |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
+1 |
4 |
|
Esperance de Tunis |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
7 |
-6 |
0 |
Matchday 1
Chelsea 1, LAFC 0
Flamengo 3, Esperance de Tunis 1
Matchday 2
Flamengo 1, Chelsea 1
LAFC 2, Esperance de Tunis 0
Matchday 3
LAFC 1, Flamengo 1
Esperance de Tunis 0, Chelsea 2
All three MLS representatives fall in the group stage, but it isn’t for lack of trying. LAFC have a good set,up but Chelsea’s the clear top team here and Flamengo are another experienced side. Things could easily shift and see the Black and Gold make it to the knockout stages of the tournament, but it’s hard to bank on them doing that out of the gate when taking into account the lack of depth in their roster.
|
Inter |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
4 |
+1 |
6 |
|
Urawa Red Diamonds |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
+1 |
5 |
|
Monterrey |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
4 |
+1 |
4 |
|
River Plate |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
7 |
-4 |
0 |
Matchday 1
River Plate 1, Urawa Red Diamonds 1
Monterrey 1, Inter 2
Matchday 2
Inter 1, Urawa Red Diamonds 2
River Plate 1, Monterrey 3
Matchday 3
Inter 2, River Plate 1
Urawa Red Diamonds 1, Monterrey 1
Group E is anyone’s guess. Inter made quite a decision in going with Cristian Chivu as their new manager, and that could leave the team vulnerable in this tournament due to his inexperience. Their struggle opens the door for Sergio Ramos and Monterrey to push for an upset, but it’s J League side Urawa Red Diamonds who will take advantage and advance behind a strong defense. Marcello Gallardo may be back at River Plate, but they have a long way to go to get back to the top of the game.
|
Borussia Dortmund |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
1 |
+6 |
9 |
|
Fluminese |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
+1 |
6 |
|
Ulsan HD |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
-3 |
1 |
|
Mamelodi Sundowns |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
-4 |
1 |
Matchday 1
Fluminense 1, Borussia Dortmund 2
Ulsan HD 1, Mamelodi Sundowns 1
Matchday 2
Mamelodi Sundowns 0, Borussia Dortmund 3
Fluminense 2, Ulsan HD 1
Matchday 3
Borussia Dortmund 2, Ulsan HD 0
Mamelodi Sundowns 0, Fluminense 1
In a group of this nature, Borussia Dortmund should be able to get through unscathed while also having a chance to get some minutes for new recruit Jobe Bellingham. Another Brazilian side will also make it to the knockout stages of the tournament as Ulsan and Mamelodi will put up challenges, but it won’t be enough to stop Dortmund and Fluminense.
|
Man City |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
1 |
+7 |
0 |
|
Juventus |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
+3 |
0 |
|
Al Ain |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
-5 |
0 |
|
Wydad |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
6 |
-6 |
0 |
Matchday 1
Manchester City 3, Wydad AC 0
Al Ain 0, Juventus 1
Matchday 2
Juventus 2, Wydad AC 0
Manchester City 4, Al Ain 0
Matchday 3
Juventus 1, Manchester City 1
Wydad AC 0, Al Ain 1
Group G is as straightforward as they come. City and Juve are the clear class of the group, and if either drop points against the other teams in the group, it would be quite surprising. Expect that last Juve and City game to be filled with backup players with each on six points.
|
Real Madrid |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
3 |
+6 |
9 |
|
Al-Hilal |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
-1 |
4 |
|
RB Salzburg |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
6 |
-1 |
4 |
|
Pachuca |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
Matchday 1
Real Madrid 3, Al Hilal 1
Pachuca 1, Salzburg 2
Matchday 2
Real Madrid 3, Pachuca 1
Salzburg 2, Al Hilal 2
Matchday 3
Al-Hilal 2, Pachuca 1
Salzburg 1, Real Madrid 3
We’ve got quite an affair as while Real Madrid will lay Group H to waste, second place could come down to a drawing of lots between Al Hilal and RB Salzburg. With Al-Hilal being unable to snag a striker before the Club World Cup, this is a team that is incomplete in many ways, while Salzburg need to make up for a disappointing domestic season. Pachuca could cause some trouble as it’s anyone’s guess who emerges behind Real Madrid.
Round of 16
Porto 0, PSG 1
Bayern Munich 2, Flamengo 0
Atletico Madrid 2, Palmieras 1
Chelsea 2, Benfica 1
Inter 2, Fluminense 1
Manchester City 2, Al-Hilal 0
Real Madrid 2, Juventus 1
Borussia Dortmund 2, Urawa Red Diamonds 0
Just like most major tournaments, the round of 16 is when underdogs will meet their end during the Club World Cup. Inter are still the most vulnerable big team remaining, but being placed against Fluminense, they’ll have a good chance of making it through. Chelsea will have a hard-fought path to the quarterfinals along with Real Madrid, but those teams won’t be denied their place while looking to finish off the season on a high note.
Quarterfinals
Inter 1, Manchester City 2
PSG 1, Bayern Munich 3
Atletico Madrid 2, Chelsea 1
Real Madrid 2, Borussia Dortmund 1
PSG’s long season will finally come to an end with Harry Kane pushing Bayern Munich through to the semifinals. Atletico Madrid will also put up a good performance with Julian Alvarez rolling things back to his time in the Premier League to brush aside former River Plate man Enzo Fernandez and Chelsea. The clash of the round is a rematch of the 2023 Champions League final, and it’ll have the same result, with Manchester City surpassing Inter.
Semifinals
Manchester City 2, Bayern Munich 1
Atletico Madrid 1, Real Madrid 0 (After extra time)
A Madrid derby in the semifinals of the CWC? Yes, please. Xabi Alonso gets his first taste of the rivalry as a manager and it ends up going a whole 120 minutes with Atleti eventually squeaking out the win to book their place in the final. They’ll be joined by Manchester City as Pep Guardiola is using this tournament to show people that last season’s disappointment was a bump in the road and not the beginning of the end for his squad.
Final
Manchester City 2, Atletico Madrid 1
In an electric final, it’s Manchester City who will emerge at the top of the pile. With such a star-studded group and Rodri back at the center of the park, even Kevin de Bruyne’s departure to Napoli won’t be enough to stop Guardiola’s men. City have a well-balanced squad and it has only gotten better this summer, which will be enough to top Atletico Madrid in the final.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Bill Belichick’s UNC misses bowl eligibility after trick play by Duke
When Bill Belichick was introduced as UNC head coach 11 long months ago, he revealed, joked or lied that his first words as a child were "Beat Duke."His program fell short of that goal on Saturday, and the result is a disappointing season will officially end next weekend. The Tar Heels lost to Duke 32-25, pushing their record down to 4-7 and leaving them unable to reach bowl eligibility next week against NC State.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt wasn't just any loss to their biggest rivals either. At home, UNC had come back from down 24-10 to take a 25-24 lead early in the fourth quarter. That remained the score until the final three minutes, when the Blue Devils lined up for a go-ahead field goal that would have given the Tar Heels the ball back with more than two minutes left and a […]
Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC, NWSL Championship: Trinity Rodman’s status hangs over title match
Two star-studded teams in the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC will meet in San Jose for the NWSL Championship, a competitive match likely in store as each side chases their second league title, but the big question looms -- will Trinity Rodman play?The pair took contrasting roads to the NWSL Championship, the No. 2 seed Spirit advancing as the favorites in their matchups while Gotham played spoiler as the No. 8 seed, eliminating the runaway NWSL Shield winners in the Kansas City Current and last year's champions Orlando Pride. To describe this as a David vs. Goliath-type game would be a misnomer, though, Gotham have been inconsistent, but they won the Championship just two years ago and boast an MVP nominee in Esther Gonzalez.While Gonzalez and new Gotham recruict Jaedyn Shaw headline Juan Carlos Amoros' team, the attention will also […]
Bills RB Ty Johnson fined $10,777 for pelvic-thrust TD celebration in win over Bucs
The NFL has fined Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson $10,777 for "obscene gestures" as part of a crackdown on unsportsmanlike conduct. Johnson did a thrust-heavy celebration after scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the Bills' win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11.With less than a minute left in the first half, Johnson broke away on third-and-5 to sprint 52 yards for the touchdown. To celebrate, Johnson grabbed his leg, seemingly pretending to have sustained an injury (à la the Kansas City Current's Lo'eau LaBonta), and fell before grinding his pelvis against the ground twice.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBuffalo went on to win the game, 44-32, behind a six-touchdown night from quarterback Josh Allen.The fine comes a couple of weeks after Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was fined $14,491 for a similar celebration. Dowdle did "two pumps" (i.e., thrusted his pelvis twice) […]
Kyle Shanahan says Brandon Aiyuk’s guarantees were voided in July: ‘It takes a lot to get a contract voided’
The news that Brandon Aiyuk has likely played his last game for the San Francisco 49ers was a surprise on Friday, but the situation has apparently been simmering for months.Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan declined to say what specifically led to a falling out between team and player — there was a report of frustrations over Aiyuk failing to participate in team meetings and other activities — while claiming the contract battle was out of his hands:"I'm not going to get into the specifics of that. There were a number of things from July that, to me, is more of the business side, dealing with lawyers and stuff, and contracts. Stuff that is really not my area of expertise."Aiyuk has spent all season on the physically unable to perform list with a knee injury, which […]
Papers: Bayern Munich watching Konate’s contract situation
The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday's newspapers...Premier LeagueBayern Munich are watching Ibrahima Konate's contact situation closely, with Liverpool putting pressure on the French defender to make a decision on his future, according to reports - Mail on Sunday. Sunderland's Wilson Isidor is weighing up his international allegiances ahead of next year's World Cup - Sun on Sunday. ChampionshipBirmingham City want to turn their £1.2bn new home into a lair for the Lionesses - by making Sarina Wiegman's side long-term tenants - Sun on Sunday. Scottish football Oscar Cortes could be set for an unexpected return to Rangers, with Sporting Gijon reportedly considering the possibility of cutting his loan short - Sunday Mail. Kevin Muscat's decision not to become the new Rangers manager has been rewarded with another Chinese Super League title - Sunday Mail. Spreaker This content is […]
What time is the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025? How to watch tonight’s F1 race
Tonight will be a late night for Formula 1 drivers. F1 is hitting the Las Vegas Strip Circuit for the Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix tonight at 11 p.m. ET. While that time is on the late side for East Coast viewers. it'll give fans in Europe a chance to start their day with a race where McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will continue their battle for first place. (You can check out all the latest standings here.)Tonight's Las Vegas Grand Prix will air on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and F1 TV Pro. Here's everything you need to know about F1 this season, including how to watch this weekend's race, along with the full 2025 F1 grand prix schedule.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHow to watch the 2025 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix:Date: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025Time: 11 p.m. ETTV channels: ESPN, ESPN DeportesStreaming: […]
Related
Bill Belichick’s UNC misses bowl eligibility after trick play by Duke
When Bill Belichick was introduced as UNC head coach 11 long months ago, he revealed, joked or lied that his first words as a child were "Beat Duke."His program fell short of that goal on Saturday, and the result is a disappointing season will officially end next weekend. The Tar Heels lost to Duke 32-25, pushing their record down to 4-7 and leaving them unable to reach bowl eligibility next week against NC State.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt wasn't just any loss to their biggest rivals either. At home, UNC had come back from down 24-10 to take a 25-24 lead early in the fourth quarter. That remained the score until the final three minutes, when the Blue Devils lined up for a go-ahead field goal that would have given the Tar Heels the ball back with more than two minutes left and a […]
Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC, NWSL Championship: Trinity Rodman’s status hangs over title match
Two star-studded teams in the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC will meet in San Jose for the NWSL Championship, a competitive match likely in store as each side chases their second league title, but the big question looms -- will Trinity Rodman play?The pair took contrasting roads to the NWSL Championship, the No. 2 seed Spirit advancing as the favorites in their matchups while Gotham played spoiler as the No. 8 seed, eliminating the runaway NWSL Shield winners in the Kansas City Current and last year's champions Orlando Pride. To describe this as a David vs. Goliath-type game would be a misnomer, though, Gotham have been inconsistent, but they won the Championship just two years ago and boast an MVP nominee in Esther Gonzalez.While Gonzalez and new Gotham recruict Jaedyn Shaw headline Juan Carlos Amoros' team, the attention will also […]
Bills RB Ty Johnson fined $10,777 for pelvic-thrust TD celebration in win over Bucs
The NFL has fined Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson $10,777 for "obscene gestures" as part of a crackdown on unsportsmanlike conduct. Johnson did a thrust-heavy celebration after scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the Bills' win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11.With less than a minute left in the first half, Johnson broke away on third-and-5 to sprint 52 yards for the touchdown. To celebrate, Johnson grabbed his leg, seemingly pretending to have sustained an injury (à la the Kansas City Current's Lo'eau LaBonta), and fell before grinding his pelvis against the ground twice.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBuffalo went on to win the game, 44-32, behind a six-touchdown night from quarterback Josh Allen.The fine comes a couple of weeks after Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was fined $14,491 for a similar celebration. Dowdle did "two pumps" (i.e., thrusted his pelvis twice) […]
Kyle Shanahan says Brandon Aiyuk’s guarantees were voided in July: ‘It takes a lot to get a contract voided’
The news that Brandon Aiyuk has likely played his last game for the San Francisco 49ers was a surprise on Friday, but the situation has apparently been simmering for months.Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan declined to say what specifically led to a falling out between team and player — there was a report of frustrations over Aiyuk failing to participate in team meetings and other activities — while claiming the contract battle was out of his hands:"I'm not going to get into the specifics of that. There were a number of things from July that, to me, is more of the business side, dealing with lawyers and stuff, and contracts. Stuff that is really not my area of expertise."Aiyuk has spent all season on the physically unable to perform list with a knee injury, which […]
Papers: Bayern Munich watching Konate’s contract situation
The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday's newspapers...Premier LeagueBayern Munich are watching Ibrahima Konate's contact situation closely, with Liverpool putting pressure on the French defender to make a decision on his future, according to reports - Mail on Sunday. Sunderland's Wilson Isidor is weighing up his international allegiances ahead of next year's World Cup - Sun on Sunday. ChampionshipBirmingham City want to turn their £1.2bn new home into a lair for the Lionesses - by making Sarina Wiegman's side long-term tenants - Sun on Sunday. Scottish football Oscar Cortes could be set for an unexpected return to Rangers, with Sporting Gijon reportedly considering the possibility of cutting his loan short - Sunday Mail. Kevin Muscat's decision not to become the new Rangers manager has been rewarded with another Chinese Super League title - Sunday Mail. Spreaker This content is […]
What time is the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025? How to watch tonight’s F1 race
Tonight will be a late night for Formula 1 drivers. F1 is hitting the Las Vegas Strip Circuit for the Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix tonight at 11 p.m. ET. While that time is on the late side for East Coast viewers. it'll give fans in Europe a chance to start their day with a race where McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will continue their battle for first place. (You can check out all the latest standings here.)Tonight's Las Vegas Grand Prix will air on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and F1 TV Pro. Here's everything you need to know about F1 this season, including how to watch this weekend's race, along with the full 2025 F1 grand prix schedule.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHow to watch the 2025 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix:Date: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025Time: 11 p.m. ETTV channels: ESPN, ESPN DeportesStreaming: […]
Be the first to leave a comment