FIFA Club World Cup: Your Chance to See Messi vs. Mbappe

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, kicking off June 14 in the USA, sets the stage for 32 elite clubs to clash for global glory. Spanning 12 iconic stadiums, this expanded tournament guarantees heart-pounding action. From Real Madrid’s relentless attack to Inter Miami’s Messi magic, here’s your essential guide.

Teams and Groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami 

Group B: PSG, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Los Angeles FC

Group D: Flamengo, Esperance, Chelsea, Al Sadd

Group E: River Plate, Inter, Monterrey, Urawa Red Diamonds

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns

Group G: Manchester City, Juventus, Wydad, Al Ain

Group H: Real Madrid, RB Salzburg, Al Hilal, Pachuca

Knockout Stage Qualification

The top two teams from each group advance to the round of 16, followed by knockout rounds until the July 13 final. Teams earn three points for a win, one for a draw. Tiebreakers prioritize goal difference, then goals scored (FIFA.com).

Related: Is FIFA’s Club World Cup the Biggest Flop in Soccer History? 

Favorites and Betting Odds

Real Madrid leads as favorites at $4 to win, driven by a ferocious attack (Sky Bet). Manchester City follows at $4.50, PSG at $5.50, and Bayern Munich at $6.50. Chelsea, at $10, blends youth and tenacity (SportingLife.com, DraftKings.com).

Key Players to Watch

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. dazzles with electric pace and Kylian Mbappe outruns defenders. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is a goal-scoring colossus. PSG’s are newly crowned Champions League Winners, while Bayern’s Harry Kane delivers pinpoint strikes. Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, at 37, still weaves match-winning brilliance and has arguably the most deadly left-peg in the world.