June 6, 2025

Who will become World Champions? | CWC Preview 2025

The upcoming tournament is set to be a landmark event in football history, marking the debut of an expanded 32 team format. This replaces the annual competition and will now be played every four years. This first edition is scheduled from June 15 to July 13 in the United States, this tournament brings together elite clubs from across the globe, competing not only for the prestigious title but also for a share of a record-breaking $1 billion prize pool.

Some of the strongest club teams from around the globe will gather across the United States this summer for this expanded version of the tournament.

Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are the two Spanish clubs taking part, but Barcelona will not play at this edition of the tournament due to their poor performance in European football over the past few years. According to the latest soccer odds, Los Blancos are the favourites to win the tournament, ahead of Manchester City. PSG, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Inter Milan will also lead a strong European challenge. The tournament will follow the same format as the most recent editions of the WC, with eight teams divided into four groups, and the top two progressing into the knockout stage. There has been some recent controversy in the build up as Club Leon of Mexico were removed from the competition for breaching rules on multi-club ownership and their replacement has yet to be announced.

New Structure

This edition introduces a revamped structure, featuring thirty two teams divided into eight groups of four. Each team will play three group stage matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout rounds. This format mirrors the regular WC, aiming to enhance competitiveness and global appeal. The teams in the competition are divided as follows:

  • Europe – 12 Teams
  • South America – 6 Teams
  • Asia – 4 Teams
  • Africa – 4 Teams
  • North, Central America and Caribbean – 4 Teams
  • Oceania – 1 Team

Prize Money

The $1 Billion in prize money has been divided between $525 Million as a participation fee for all teams taking part and the other $475 Million is prize money, with the winner of the tournament bagging an additional $40 Million. The full breakdown is as follows:

• $475 million for sporting performance, distributed as:

  • $2 million per group stage win
  • $1 million per group stage draw
  • $7.5 million for Round of 16 qualification
  • $13.125 million for quarter-finalists
  • $21 million for semi-finalists
  • $30 million for the runner-up
  • $40 million for the champion
  • $525 million as participation fees for all teams

Key Players to Watch

Among the stars on show over the upcoming four weeks are the following:

  • Lionel Messi: Leading Inter Miami, Messi brings his unparalleled experience and skill to the global stage.
  • Kylian Mbappe: The European Golden boot winner wants to add more goals to his season for Real Madrid.
  • Jude Bellingham: Despite an impending shoulder surgery post tournament, the Real Madrid midfielder is set to play a pivotal role
  • Vinícius Junior: Another Real Madrid star, who would do his Ballon D’or chances good with an impressive display this summer. 
  • Angel Di María: Representing Benfica, the veteran winger is rumoured to be making his final club appearances before a potential move to Inter Miami.

Group Stages

At this point, we can take a look at the individual groups and who are likely to perform well and which the key matches are likely to be.

Group A 

Palmeiras
FC Porto
Al Ahly
Inter Miami

Group A showcases a blend of South American flair, European discipline, African prowess, and North American ambition. Palmeiras, with their rich history and recent dominance in the Copa Libertadores, are the favourites. FC Porto brings European experience and tactical acumen. Al Ahly, the Egyptian giants, are known for their enthusiastic play and continental success. Inter Miami, potentially featuring Lionel Messi, adds star power and the advantage of playing on home soil. The clash between Palmeiras and FC Porto promises to be a tactical battle, while Inter Miami vs Al Ahly could be a high-octane encounter. Palmeiras are likely to top the group, with FC Porto closely contesting.

Group B 

Paris Saint-Germain
Atlético Madrid
Botafogo
Seattle Sounders

Group B is arguably the “Group of Death,” featuring European heavyweights PSG and Atlético Madrid, Brazilian champions Botafogo, and MLS’s Seattle Sounders. PSG boasts stars like Kylian Mbappé, while Atlético brings tactical prowess under Diego Simeone. Botafogo, fresh off a Copa Libertadores win, and Seattle, Champions League victors from their region, add competitive edge. The clash between PSG and Atlético will be a tactical battle, while Botafogo vs. Seattle offers an intriguing South America vs North America matchup. PSG’s attacking firepower makes them slight favourites to lead the group.

Group C 

Bayern Munich
Auckland City
Boca Juniors
Raja Casablanca

Group C features European giants Bayern Munich, who are expected to dominate with their depth and experience. Boca Juniors, with their enthusiastic fanbase and rich history, aim to challenge the status quo. Auckland City, representing Oceania, and Raja Casablanca, a formidable African club, bring unique styles to the group. The Bayern vs Boca Juniors match is anticipated to be a classic. Bayern Munich are projected to top the group, with Boca Juniors vying for the second spot.

Group D

Flamengo
Chelsea
ES Tunis
TBA

Group D showcases Brazil’s Flamengo, England’s Chelsea, Tunisia’s ES Tunis, and the final team was meant to be Mexico’s Club Leon. Flamengo and Chelsea, both with recent continental successes, are the standout teams. ES Tunis brings North African resilience. The Flamengo vs Chelsea match is a highlight, pitting South American flair against English pragmatism. Given their recent form and squad strength, Chelsea are poised to top the group.

Group E

River Plate
Urawa Red Diamonds
Monterrey
Inter Milan

Group E presents a balanced mix of South American, European, Asian, and North American football. River Plate, with their attacking prowess, and Inter Milan, known for their tactical discipline, are the frontrunners. Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds bring regional strength and could pose challenges. The River Plate vs Inter Milan match is crucial for group supremacy. Inter Milan are slightly favoured to lead the group, with River Plate closely behind.

Group F

Fluminense
Borussia Dortmund
Ulsan HD
Mamelodi Sundowns

Group F features Brazil’s Fluminense, Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, South Korea’s Ulsan HD, and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. Fluminense and Dortmund are the prominent teams, with attacking talents and European experience, respectively. Ulsan and Sundowns add Asian and African competitiveness. The Fluminense vs Dortmund game is a must watch, blending South American creativity with German efficiency. Dortmund’s European pedigree makes them favourites to top the group.

Group G

Manchester City
Wydad AC
Al Ain
Juventus

Group G is headlined by Manchester City, aiming to reclaim glory after a trophyless season. Juventus brings Italian resilience, while Wydad AC and Al Ain add African and Asian competitiveness. The Manchester City vs. Juventus match is a standout fixture. Manchester City are expected to top the group, with Juventus likely to advance alongside them.

Group H

Real Madrid
Al Hilal
CF Pachuca
RB Salzburg

Group H features Spain’s Real Madrid, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, Mexico’s CF Pachuca, and Austria’s RB Salzburg. Real Madrid, with stars like Jude Bellingham, are the team to beat. Al Hilal and Pachuca bring regional dominance, while Salzburg offers youthful exuberance. The Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal match is anticipated. Real Madrid’s experience and talent make them clear favourites to top the group.

Key Matches

There are a number of key matches that are set to be played between some of the world’s top clubs that clash in the group stages. One of the first of such events is the match between Atlético Madrid and PSG which will take place on June 15 at the Rose Bowl, the scene of the WC final in 1994. The following day Boca Juniors take on Benfica in what should be an interesting match up and a day later it is Fluminense against Borussia Dortmund, another battle between South America and Europe. On the 19th, Inter Miami will play against Porto and the likes of Palmeiras, Atlético Madrid and PSG are also in action on the same day. Next up is Bayern Munich against Boca Juniors on the 20th, surely another match not to be missed. The final round of fixtures starts on the 23rd of June and throws up what are likely to be some key matches including Atlético Madrid versus Botafogo, Inter Miami against Palmeiras, Benfica taking on Bayern Munich, Inter Milan versus River Plate and Juventus against Manchester City. Following these matches, we will know who qualifies for the knockout stages which will commence on the weekend of the 28th & 29th June. 

The tournament promises thrilling matches and highlights the global nature of club football. Fans worldwide can look forward to a month of high quality football action as clubs from around the world compete for the prestigious title.

Last updated: 06.06.25