Club World Cup: Predictions and insights as favourites for tournament are discussed

Before the ball starts rolling in the United States, Brazilian and international journalists have named their favourites for the coveted title.

For the first time, 32 teams will compete for the title at the Club World Cup. With representatives from every continent, FIFA’s new tournament carries high expectations, and Trivela and its global partners have shared their predictions on who will be crowned champion.

Check out the favourites for the Club World Cup below.

Trivela’s Prediction

After a trophyless season, Real Madrid, now led by Xabi Alonso, needs to show more than in recent editions - and there’s no better stage than the Club World Cup to do so.

Los Merengues were knocked out of the Champions League after a tough defeat to Arsenal in the quarter-finals. In Spain, Madrid struggled against Barcelona and lost all three domestic titles to their Catalan rivals.

Football experts predict possible Club World Cup winner

Rob Summerscales – Internal Media Coordinator at NSN:

“My bet is on Paris Saint-Germain.

"The bookmakers suggest that Real Madrid and Manchester City are the teams to beat, but I disagree. I think those two clubs will be favourites for next season’s Champions League, after a summer to regroup following disappointing 2024/25 campaigns.”

Oliver Thomas – Journalist at Sports Mole:

"It is difficult to look beyond a European team winning the Club World Cup and five-time champions Real Madrid are rightly listed as favourites to go all the way, even if there is some uncertainty surrounding them following the appointment of new head coach Xabi Alonso.

"Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain should not be discounted, though, and the same can be said for the likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who are the reigning world champions."

Romain Lantheaume – Journalist at Top Mercato FR:

“With a revamped squad, Real Madrid will be a serious contender for the title.

"Manchester City, seeking redemption and bolstered by new signings, are also strong contenders. However, given the level of dominance shown in the Champions League final and their collective strength, PSG stands out as the favourite in this Club World Cup.”

Santiago Sourigues – Journalist at Top Mercato LATAM:

"The winner of the 2025 Club World Cup will be Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso, the new coach of the Merengues, promises to take the team to the next level after the emotional farewell of Carlo Ancelotti (and Luka Modric).

"Now, both Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso have a golden opportunity to start this new chapter on the right foot - in the competition where the Spanish club is the most successful in its previous format."

This article was originally published on Trivela.

Written by
Matt Law