The Club World Cup is set to commence, offering a chance to predict the tournament`s outcome. With teams entering after challenging seasons and the competition featuring a new, revamped format, it`s somewhat uncertain how seriously each side will approach it initially. However, in tournaments like this, sheer talent and squad depth typically come out on top.
This focus on depth could potentially disadvantage Major League Soccer teams such as Inter Miami, the Seattle Sounders, and Los Angeles FC, who are limited by salary cap constraints from building rosters comparable to global powerhouses. Nevertheless, these teams have a significant opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities on the world stage. While a few surprises are always anticipated in such competitions, let`s proceed to break down the predicted path of the tournament.
Group stage
GROUP A
| TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porto | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | 9 |
| Palmeiras | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 6 |
| Inter Miami | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 3 |
| Al Ahly | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 0 |
Matchday 1
Al Ahly 1, Inter Miami 2
Palmeiras 0, Porto 2
Matchday 2
Palmeiras 2, Al Ahly 0
Inter Miami 1, Porto 2
Matchday 3
Inter Miami 1, Palmeiras 2
Porto 2, Al Ahly 0
Group A looks set to be a competitive group. Porto is clearly the favorite to win it, and securing wins against either Inter Miami or Palmeiras should pave their way. The crucial fixture is likely on Matchday 3, when Inter Miami faces the Brazilian side. I lean towards Palmeiras` extensive experience in tournaments of this scale, while Inter Miami`s performance in knockout competitions has been less consistent.
GROUP B
| TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atletico Madrid | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 7 |
| PSG | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 7 |
| Botafogo | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 3 |
| Seattle Sounders | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 0 |
Matchday 1
PSG 1, Atletico Madrid 1
Botafogo 2, Seattle Sounders 1
Matchday 2
Seattle Sounders 0, Atletico Madrid 3
PSG 3, Botafogo 1
Matchday 3
Seattle Sounders 1, PSG 3
Atletico Madrid 3, Botafogo 1
Another MLS team faces a significant challenge here, with the Seattle Sounders drawn into an extremely difficult group alongside European champions PSG and the formidable Atletico Madrid. Botafogo also boasts considerable talent, making qualification tough for any side facing these opponents in Group B. The top two teams are separated only by goal difference, leading to a fascinating race for goals on the final matchday.
GROUP C
| TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern Munich | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 7 |
| Benfica | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 7 |
| Boca Juniors | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 1 |
| Auckland City | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | -6 | 1 |
Matchday 1
Bayern Munich 4, Auckland City 0
Boca Juniors 0, Benfica 2
Matchday 2
Benfica 3, Auckland City 0
Bayern Munich 2, Boca Juniors 0
Matchday 3
Auckland City 0, Boca Juniors 0
Benfica 1, Bayern Munich 1
A recurring theme might be top teams drawing their final group matches, possibly to avoid injuries as they head into the knockout stage. There`s no need for tactical maneuvering to avoid specific teams, as tough opponents await regardless in the Round of 16. Auckland City, the tournament`s only amateur side, is predicted to achieve a memorable result by securing a draw against Boca Juniors.
GROUP D
| TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 7 |
| Flamengo | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 5 |
| LAFC | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
| Esperance de Tunis | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
Matchday 1
Chelsea 1, LAFC 0
Flamengo 3, Esperance de Tunis 1
Matchday 2
Flamengo 1, Chelsea 1
LAFC 2, Esperance de Tunis 0
Matchday 3
LAFC 1, Flamengo 1
Esperance de Tunis 0, Chelsea 2
All three MLS teams are predicted to exit at the group stage, though not without showing effort. LAFC is a capable side, but Chelsea is the clear favorite in this group, supported by an experienced Flamengo. While outcomes could shift and LAFC might potentially reach the knockout rounds, relying on that seems difficult given the perceived lack of depth in their squad compared to their competitors.
GROUP E
| TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inter | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 6 |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 5 |
| Monterrey | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 4 |
| River Plate | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 0 |
Matchday 1
River Plate 1, Urawa Red Diamonds 1
Monterrey 1, Inter 2
Matchday 2
Inter 1, Urawa Red Diamonds 2
River Plate 1, Monterrey 3
Matchday 3
Inter 2, River Plate 1
Urawa Red Diamonds 1, Monterrey 1
Group E appears to be the most unpredictable. Inter`s decision to appoint Cristian Chivu as their new manager adds an element of uncertainty due to his relative inexperience, potentially making the team vulnerable in this tournament. While this opens the door for teams like Monterrey, featuring Sergio Ramos, to push for an upset, it is the J League side Urawa Red Diamonds who are predicted to benefit, advancing with a strong defensive showing. Despite Marcelo Gallardo`s return, River Plate seems to have significant ground to cover to compete at the highest level again.
GROUP F
| TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 9 |
| Fluminense | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 6 |
| Ulsan HD | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 1 |
Matchday 1
Fluminense 1, Borussia Dortmund 2
Ulsan HD 1, Mamelodi Sundowns 1
Matchday 2
Mamelodi Sundowns 0, Borussia Dortmund 3
Fluminense 2, Ulsan HD 1
Matchday 3
Borussia Dortmund 2, Ulsan HD 0
Mamelodi Sundowns 0, Fluminense 1
In a group structured like this, Borussia Dortmund should comfortably progress, potentially offering opportunities for new recruit Jobe Bellingham to gain minutes. Another Brazilian side, Fluminense, is also predicted to make it through to the knockout stages. While Ulsan and Mamelodi will pose challenges, they are unlikely to prevent both Dortmund and Fluminense from advancing.
GROUP G
| TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Man City | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | +7 | 7 |
| Juventus | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 7 |
| Al Ain | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -5 | 3 |
| Wydad AC | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | -6 | 0 |
Matchday 1
Manchester City 3, Wydad AC 0
Al Ain 0, Juventus 1
Matchday 2
Juventus 2, Wydad AC 0
Manchester City 4, Al Ain 0
Matchday 3
Juventus 1, Manchester City 1
Wydad AC 0, Al Ain 1
Group G is arguably the most predictable. Manchester City and Juventus are clearly the dominant forces, and it would be quite a surprise if either dropped points against the other teams in the group. Their final match against each other is expected to feature many backup players, with both teams likely having already secured qualification on six points.
GROUP H
| TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 9 |
| Al-Hilal | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| RB Salzburg | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| Pachuca | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 0 |
Matchday 1
Real Madrid 3, Al Hilal 1
Pachuca 1, Salzburg 2
Matchday 2
Real Madrid 3, Pachuca 1
Salzburg 2, Al Hilal 2
Matchday 3
Al-Hilal 2, Pachuca 1
Salzburg 1, Real Madrid 3
Group H presents an intriguing dynamic. While Real Madrid is expected to dominate and secure the top spot, the battle for second place could be incredibly close between Al Hilal and RB Salzburg, potentially even coming down to tie-breakers. Al Hilal`s squad feels somewhat incomplete, particularly lacking a top-tier striker, while Salzburg will be eager to redeem themselves after a disappointing domestic season. Pachuca could also cause issues, making the identity of the second qualifier behind Real Madrid highly uncertain.
Round of 16
Porto 0, PSG 1
Bayern Munich 2, Flamengo 0
Atletico Madrid 2, Palmieras 1
Chelsea 2, Benfica 1
Inter 2, Fluminense 1
Manchester City 2, Al-Hilal 0
Real Madrid 2, Juventus 1
Borussia Dortmund 2, Urawa Red Diamonds 0
As is typical in most major tournaments, the Round of 16 in the Club World Cup is often where the journey ends for underdogs. Inter appears to be the most vulnerable among the major teams, but their matchup against Fluminense should still see them through. Chelsea and Real Madrid are predicted to face hard-fought paths to the quarterfinals but possess the quality to ensure their progression as they look to conclude their seasons on a high note.
Quarterfinals
Inter 1, Manchester City 2
PSG 1, Bayern Munich 3
Atletico Madrid 2, Chelsea 1
Real Madrid 2, Borussia Dortmund 1
PSG`s demanding season is predicted to conclude at this stage, with Harry Kane likely key in pushing Bayern Munich into the semifinals. Atletico Madrid is also expected to deliver a strong performance, with Julian Alvarez predicted to shine, reminiscent of his Premier League form, to overcome Enzo Fernandez`s Chelsea. The standout tie of the round is a rematch of the 2023 Champions League final, expected to yield the same result, with Manchester City proving too strong for Inter once more.
Semifinals
Manchester City 2, Bayern Munich 1
Atletico Madrid 1, Real Madrid 0 (After extra time)
A Madrid derby in the Club World Cup semifinals? Yes, please. Xabi Alonso experiences this fierce rivalry from the manager`s dugout, in a match predicted to go the full 120 minutes, with Atletico narrowly securing the win to book their place in the final. They will be joined by Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is expected to use this tournament to demonstrate that last season`s relative disappointments were merely a temporary blip, not the sign of a decline for his dominant squad.
Final
Manchester City 2, Atletico Madrid 1
In what promises to be an electric final, Manchester City is predicted to emerge as champions. With their star-studded lineup and Rodri anchoring the midfield, even the departure of Kevin de Bruyne to Napoli is unlikely to stop Guardiola`s men. City boasts a remarkably well-balanced squad that has been further strengthened over the summer, which should be enough to overcome Atletico Madrid in the final match.
Benedict Kingsley