With soccer’s explosive growth in the United States, FIFA, the International Federation of Association Football, has introduced a new and improved format for the Club World Cup. Following FIFA’s controversial expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, the organization took the chance to completely revamp the Club World Cup.
The new format features 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. The top two teams from each group will advance to a 16-team knockout stage. This expanded tournament kicks off on Sunday, June 15th, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami facing Egyptian giants, Al Ahly. The Club World Cup concludes on July 13th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
I’ll be bringing you full coverage for RJ Media, starting now with my predictions for the group stage and knockout rounds.
Group A: FC Porto, Al Ahly, Palmeiras, and Inter Miami
FC Porto will top the group, with Al Ahly finishing second. Palmeiras will come in third, and Inter Miami, despite their global star Lionel Messi, will finish last. Porto’s experience in one of Europe’s toughest leagues gives them the edge, and they should navigate the decisive match against Al Ahly comfortably. Some argue Inter Miami’s spot is heavily influenced by FIFA’s favoritism toward Messi, which raises questions about their ability to compete. They lack the squad depth to challenge the group’s powerhouses, and Messi’s stamina at this stage won’t be enough to carry them. Expect Miami to finish with just one point.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético de Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
This group promises excitement, especially with PSG and Atlético facing off on Matchday 1. Both should easily handle Botafogo and Seattle. PSG are coming off a historic season, winning the Champions League and completing a European treble. Even without injured Ousmane Dembélé, out with a strained quad, they boast a formidable attack with Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola, supported by fullbacks Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi. Atlético’s offense, led by Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann, is also dangerous. Seattle lacks the quality to contend, and Botafogo might secure a draw but little more.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Benfica, Boca Juniors, Auckland City
Bayern should win the group comfortably after another strong Bundesliga campaign, regaining their spot as champions. Benfica and Boca Juniors will likely battle for second. Benfica’s attack, led by Kerem Aktürkoğlu, combined with the reliable Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, gives them a slight edge. Auckland City will be lucky to earn a point in this tough group.
Group D: Chelsea, Flamengo, LAFC, Al-Ittihad
Chelsea, despite some inconsistency in the Premier League, recently won the Europa Conference League and should navigate this group stage comfortably. Flamengo’s defense has been rock-solid, conceding only four goals in their last eleven matches, giving them the advantage over LAFC, who have struggled defensively. Both Flamengo and LAFC could finish with four points, but Flamengo’s superior goal difference should see them through.
Group E: Inter Milan, River Plate, Monterrey, Urawa Red Diamonds
Inter Milan will be eager to bounce back after their brutal 5–0 loss to PSG in the Champions League final. Their response should be dominant, topping the group. River Plate’s defensive strength should be enough to edge past Monterrey, although Monterrey’s attacking form, averaging nearly two goals per game, makes them dangerous. Urawa Red Diamonds may play spoiler but are unlikely to advance.
Group F: Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns
This group offers a good look at fan turnout, especially with Dortmund’s famed “Yellow Wall.” Dortmund snatched a Champions League spot dramatically on the final day of the Bundesliga season, and that momentum should carry them to first place here. Ulsan Hyundai are reigning Korean champions and have the edge for second, though Fluminense, currently out of form in Brazil, could still challenge. I’m especially looking forward to attending the BVB vs. Mamelodi Sundowns match to assess the fan experience.
Group G: Manchester City, Juventus, Al Ain, Wydad AC
Two European giants headline this group, with qualification likely decided on Matchday 3. Man City, after a subpar season by their standards finishing third in the Premier League and struggling in the Champions League they will be eager to redeem themselves. Juventus also underachieved but should advance. Al Ain and Wydad are longshots, both enduring disappointing domestic seasons and likely battling for third place.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, FC Salzburg, CF Pachuca
Real Madrid are overwhelming favorites to win the group. Their stacked lineup featuring Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham, should dominate. Al Hilal, led by João Cancelo, Yassine Bono, and Sergej Milinković-Savić, are strong enough to finish second. Salzburg and Pachuca will likely fight for pride, though I’ll be attending their match to evaluate fan experience.
That wraps up the group stage preview. Stay tuned for knockout round predictions and on-the-ground insights throughout the tournament!
Sources:
Current Form and Club World Cup Format, FIFA.com
Stats, Rosters, and Team comparisons, Sofascore.com
Rankings and Qualification Criteria, CONCACAF.com, Dazn.com, and Sofascore.com
Grammatical check Chatgpt.com
