By John Ogunsemore
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, featuring an expanded 32-team format, started on Saturday in the United States.
With participants drawn from all confederations, the tournament is expected to be more competitive than previous editions.
European teams are keen to dominate due to their superior rosters and resources, but surprises from teams like Al-Hilal or Botafogo are not impossible.
Daily Sun examines five teams considered most likely to clinch the trophy based on recent analyses, team performances, and predictive models like the Opta supercomputer.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) – Probability: ~18.5%
PSG enter the Club World Cup as the favourite after their dominant UEFA Champions League win in 2025, defeating Inter 5-0 in the final.
Their squad, led by stars like Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, is in peak form.
The Opta supercomputer gives Luis Enrique’s team the highest chance of reaching the quarterfinals (75.4%), semifinals (49.2%), and final (30.9%).
A favourable knockout path, potentially avoiding top European sides until later rounds, boosts their prospects.
Real Madrid – Probability: ~9.8–18.2%
Despite an underwhelming 2024-25 season without major trophies, Real Madrid remain a powerhouse with a history of success in the Club World Cup, with five titles.
New signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, combined with Xabi Alonso’s recent appointment as coach, signal a revitalised squad.
Football pundits and betting odds place Real Madrid as top contenders, with their experience in high-stakes tournaments giving them an edge.
Manchester City – Probability: ~16.7–17.8%
As defending Club World Cup champions (2023), Manchester City boast a strong squad despite a trophyless 2024-25 season.
The return of Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, strengthens their midfield.
Pep Guardiola’s tactical expertise and their 4-0 win over Fluminense in 2023 highlight their pedigree. New additions like Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders add depth. They are expected to dominate Group G.
Bayern Munich – Probability: ~12.5–13%
Bayern reclaimed the Bundesliga title in 2025 and field one of the tournament’s strongest squads under Vincent Kompany.
Regular Champions League quarterfinalists, they are predicted to win Group C easily, with Thomas Müller emphasising their “in it to win it” mentality.
Their potential quarterfinal clash with PSG or Atlético Madrid will be a key test, but their depth and experience make them serious contenders.
Inter Milan – Probability: ~12.3–13%
Despite a heavy Champions League final loss to PSG, Inter remain a formidable side with players like Lautaro Martínez, who aims to shine on the global stage.
They are favoured to top Group E, which includes River Plate, Monterrey, and Urawa Red Diamonds.
Under new coach Cristian Chivu, Inter’s tactical discipline and attacking prowess position them as a dark horse for the title.
