The frontrunners for the 2025 Club World Cup primarily hail from Western Europe, while less prominent teams are making their way from afar. The pivotal questions surrounding this inaugural 32-team tournament include: What will transpire in the meantime for everyone involved?
Discussion of the tournament buzzes from Cairo to São Paulo, Tokyo, Miami, and Monterrey. The Club World Cup aims to address years of debate comparing South American powerhouses with European champions, illustrating where leagues like Major League Soccer stand globally. Additionally, it raises questions about Lionel Messi’s status as an elite player.
We won’t have answers until the tournament kicks off on June 14. It’s uncertain whether the best teams from MLS can compete with the top clubs from Africa and Brazil, or how a super-rich European club holds up in this mix.
However, we can make educated guesses. The upcoming power rankings will attempt to assess all 32 teams in the Club World Cup, evaluating their probabilities of making it to the tournament’s final stages.
(Illustrated by Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
Tier 1: Favorites
1. Paris Saint-Germain (France)
On a remarkable night in Munich, Paris Saint-Germain cemented their status as the dominant force in club football. They didn’t just claim the UEFA Champions League title; they decisively defeated Inter Milan 5-0, highlighting their supremacy. Their squad depth is unmatched, with a dynamic offense and a robust defense that stands strong. The question that lingers is how much energy they have left after the emotional victory on Saturday.
2. Real Madrid (Spain)
The inaugural year of Madrid’s latest star-studded lineup brought more setbacks than celebrations. While Kylian Mbappé excelled, others like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham did not fare as well. There were injuries and multiple issues, yet they still remain a force to be reckoned with. With new signings and a fresh start under Xabi Alonso, they possess all the components necessary to compete for the title.
3. Bayern Munich (Germany)
Although Bayern Munich had a relatively quiet season by their standards, they still emerged as a formidable squad, rising to the top four by default due to other giants underperforming.
4. Manchester City (UK)
Manchester City’s struggles were noticeable, yet their performance during the last weeks of the Premier League showed promise. Defensive weaknesses remain, but their recent style could make them formidable in knockout stages, especially with star player Erling Haaland potentially firing on all cylinders.
Chelsea FC appeared at the Club World Cup this summer, winning the UEFA Conference League against Real Betis Balumpie. (Photo by NicolòCampo/Lightrocket via Getty Images)
(Nicolo Campo via Getty Images)
Tier 2: Established/Blue Blood Candidates
5. Inter Milan (Italy)
During their recent clash at Allianz Arena, Inter Milan encountered major issues that need to be addressed. Notably, cracks have been emerging consistently, and injuries have taken their toll. Although they showcased brilliance with a Champions League victory over Barcelona earlier this year, their current form leads them to miss the top tier. Plus, their manager has taken a new position in Saudi Arabia.
6. Chelsea (England)
In 2024, Chelsea relied heavily on Cole Palmer, but his performance has dipped in 2025. As a result, the team has had to adapt, which has been a slow process, yet it may yield positive outcomes. A more balanced lineup now positions them as serious contenders in the Club World Cup.
7. Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Dortmund faced struggles for most of the 2024-25 season, lingering in the lower half of the Bundesliga. However, they surged as the season ended, emerging as one of Germany’s strongest teams with an impressive scoring record. This late resurgence puts them on the radar for the upcoming tournament.
8. Atletico Madrid (Spain)
Despite recent challenges in La Liga, Atletico Madrid appears resilient as the Club World Cup approaches. They face competition from teams like the Seattle Sounders and Botafogo, but their reputation for gritty performance makes them a wildcard in the tournament.
9. Juventus (Italy)
Juventus succeeded in only a few Serie A matches last season, managing to avoid defeat in four games while drawing 16. Despite a mediocre performance, they might not fit into the top candidate category but are too strong to fall into the next tier.
The 2025 Club World Cup could be parting with Benfica’s Angel Di Maria’s global stage. (Photo: Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
(Diogocaldosau via Getty Images)
Tier 3: Fringe Contenders
10. Benfica (Portugal)
Many key players who led Benfica to the Club World Cup, including Darwin Núñez and Gonzalo Ramos, have since left for larger clubs. This is the reality at one of Europe’s top transfer-out clubs. Despite this, Benfica is still rich in emerging talent, capable of surprising in knockout rounds. Moreover, this could be Angel Di Maria’s last opportunity to shine on the global stage.
11. Palmeiras (Brazil)
Under the guidance of Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras has become one of the strongest non-European teams in football since 2020. They have consistently had the highest expected goal difference in challenging South American leagues. Although they may not be at their peak now, their young winger Estevan, poised for a transfer to Chelsea, aims to make an impact globally.
12. Flamengo (Brazil)
Flamengo is one of Brazil’s most entertaining teams, featuring talents like Giorgian de Arrascaeta, captain Gerson, and striker Pedro. Fans familiar with European leagues will recognize veterans like Alex Sandro and Danilo. They represent a formidable challenge for Chelsea in Group D and could pose other threats too.
13. FC Porto (Portugal)
This Porto squad isn’t vintage by any means, having just had one of their worst seasons in over a decade. However, watch out for 18-year-old playmaker Rodrigo Mora, who has impressed coaches with his talent.
14. Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Famous for bringing Neymar to Saudi Arabia, Al-Hilal has assembled a solid squad that includes standout captain Salem Al-Dosari. Although they recently fired their manager, this team could still prove competitive at the Club World Cup.
A star-studded but uneven team led by aging Sergio Ramos, Monterrey is the tallest of Concacaff’s Club World Cup candidates. (Photo: Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)
(Azael Rodriguez via Getty Images)
Tier 4: Best of the Rest
15. River Plate (Argentina)
River Plate’s recent games have shown some improvement. Though they’re relying on experienced players like Franco Mustachio, their squad features several veterans who could leverage their experience in high-stakes matches this month.
16. Monterrey (Mexico)
As one of the wealthiest clubs in Mexico, Monterrey is an interesting team, boasting veteran talent including Sergio Ramos. Despite recent struggles in performance, they remain the highest-rated CONCACAF team in the tournament, showcasing a unique aura.
17. Al Ahly (Egypt)
Al Ahly holds a record as the only club to win three major continental titles within four years. They enter the Club World Cup with a significant gap between their local reputation and international recognition, but their past successes shouldn’t be underestimated.
18. Botafogo (Brazil)
Just six months ago, Botafogo enjoyed a stronger standing, but recent challenges have taken a toll. Losing some key players and facing a steep drop, they now find themselves in a more average position within Brazilian football.
Tier 5: Mid/Long Shot
20. LAFC (USA)
LAFC may not be the most impressive squad this year, but their midfield changes have made them tough competitors since 2018. With Dennis Bouanga, a standout scorer, they retain an essential scoring resource.
21. Inter Miami (USA)
After a record-breaking season, Inter Miami has struggled to maintain momentum and went through coaching changes. Despite a rocky start to 2025, they appear to have significant potential for improvement, particularly with Messi leading the squad.
22. Fluminense (Brazil)
Fluminense’s recent track record has been inconsistent, making the upcoming Club World Cup a pivotal evaluation of their capabilities against tough opposition.
23. Boca Juniors (Argentina)
Boca Juniors has long been a crowd favorite but lacks the exciting young talent, relying instead on veteran presence. With an average defending record, they face challenges in keeping pace with younger competitors.
24. Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
This affluent African club has experienced success in the CAF Champions League, but their current standing raises questions about their competitiveness on a global scale.
25. Seattle Sounders (USA)
Known for consistency since 2009, the Sounders have a well-rounded roster but lack star power. Injuries to key players make their chances of challenging for the title appear slim.
26. Pachuca (Mexico)
Pachuca might not be among Mexico’s top teams, but they continue to compete. Facing stiff competition in their group, they aim to prove their mettle against formidable opponents.
27. ES Tunis (Tunisia)
Having achieved multiple local victories, ES Tunis are up against tough competition but haven’t proven they can compete with larger clubs like Flamengo and Chelsea.
28. Urawa Reds (Japan)
The Urawa Reds have not seen consistent league success for years. Though they are here as holders of the Asian Champions League title, expectations for their performance in the Club World Cup aren’t high.
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29. Wydad (Morocco)
Wydad may be the top club in Morocco, but they aren’t currently at their strongest.
30. Ulsan (Korea)
The former Asian champions face significant challenges in the Club World Cup, yet may capitalize on weaker group members.
31. Al Ain (United Arab Emirates)
Their participation in the group stage against teams like Juventus and Manchester City does not hold great promise.
Tier 6: Amateur
32. Auckland City (New Zealand)
Auckland City is the dominant force in Oceania, yet they compete as amateurs, making the disparity between them and other teams quite stark.
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### Fan Take
This deep look into the Club World Cup contenders is crucial for soccer enthusiasts, as it underscores the evolving landscape of the sport on a global scale. The tournament’s outcome will not only determine football’s hierarchy but also reignite debates about regional strengths and weaknesses in the game.
