Guide to the FIFA Club World Cup: An in-depth look at every group and team in the new-look competition

The 32 teams in the competition have been divided into eight groups of four, within which each team will play the others in a single round-robin format: in the group stage, each participant will play three matches.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the round of 16, while the third-placed teams will be eliminated. In the event of a tie, the main criterion for determining the ranking will be goal difference.

The round of 16 will be played in a single match, as will the quarter-finals, the two semi-finals and the final that will decide the winner of the trophy. There will be no third-place play-off.

The 2025 Club World Cup will officially kick off in the early hours of Sunday 15 June in the UK (late evening Saturday June 14 in the U.S.): the opening match of the competition will take place at 1am BST, with Egyptian side Al-Ahly taking on Leo Messi and Luis Suarez's Inter Miami.

The group stage will end on the night between Thursday 26 and Friday 27 June with the final matchday in Group H (Al Hilal-Pachuca and Salzburg-Real Madrid). The round of 16 will kick off on Saturday 28 June and end on the night between 1 and 2 July, with the quarter-finals being played between Friday 4 and Saturday 5 July. The semi-finals are scheduled for the evenings of Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 July, with kick-off at 8pm BST.

The final will be played on Sunday July 13 at 8pm BST.

THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE FOR THE 2025 FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

Group A consists of Porto from Portugal, Palmeiras from Brazil, Al-Ahly from Egypt and Inter Miami from the United States. All eyes will be on Leo Messi and Luis Suarez, who earned a place in the competition thanks to their victory in the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, the trophy awarded to the team with the most points in the MLS regular season.

On paper, Inter Miami will battle it out for top spot in the group with Porto, who are looking to bounce back after a very difficult season both at home and in the Europa League, where they were eliminated by Roma. The Portuguese side qualified thanks to their position in the UEFA rankings. Starting in the third row are Palmeiras, one of the strongest teams in South America for years and Libertadores champions in 2021, and Al-Ahly, who qualified for the World Cup thanks to their triumphs in the African Champions League in 2020-21, 2022-23 and 2023-24.

A team in search of an identity. Andre Villas-Boas' stewardship has so far failed to produce results: the first year after Sergio Conceicao's departure brought only a Super Cup trophy, a mere consolation prize in a season that saw the Dragoes finish the league in third place, 11 points behind champions Sporting. Things did not go much better in the Europa League, with elimination in the play-offs at the hands of Roma. In between, there was also a change of coach, reflecting the chaotic state the club has found itself in in recent months: Vitor Bruno, Conceicao's former assistant, who had taken over from him amid controversy, was replaced by Argentine Martin Anselmi, in his first experience in Europe. The Club World Cup, in which Porto hopes to at least make a good impression, could be an opportunity for redemption.

THE COACH - Martin Anselmi

The 40-year-old Argentine was born in Rosario, the hometown of Lionel Messi, but also of Marcelo Bielsa and Tata Martino. He had never coached a European team before joining the Dragoes. His masterpiece occurred at Independiente Del Valle, which he led to victory in the Copa Sudamericana and Recopa Sudamericana between 2022 and 2023. Porto won a legal battle with Mexican side Cruz Azul to secure his services.

THE STAR - Samu Aghehowa

Samuel Omorodion Aghehowa: this is the full name of the 21-year-old Spanish centre forward, who is of Nigerian origin. Last summer, he was linked with half of Europe, including Inter, Roma, Napoli and Chelsea. In the end, Atletico Madrid, who had already loaned him to Alaves, sold him to Porto. He was one of the most positive notes of the season: he struck 25 goals in total, 19 of which were scored in the league.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Rodrigo Mora

Born in 2007, Rodrigo Mora came of age at the beginning of May, but last season he amply demonstrated that he could become one of the most sought-after young players on the market, as well as a potential star. In his first year as a professional, he scored 10 goals in the league. He is a quick attacking midfielder or winger, just under five foot six inches tall. Decisive in tight spaces and not shy about dribbling, he has no shortage of personality.

TYPICAL FORMATION (3-4-2-1): Diogo Costa; Perez, Ze Pedro, Marcano; Joao Mario, Varela, Eustaquio, Francisco Moura; Rodrigo Mora, Pepe; Aghehowa. Coach: Anselmi

Palmeiras have been the leading team in Brazilian football for years. Since 2020, it has won the Copa Libertadores twice and the championship on the same number of occasions. In 2024, they finished second in the Brasileirao behind champions Botafogo, and this year they are still in contention for all available honours. The club's youth academy produces players who are immediately snapped up by Europe's big clubs: after Endrick, now at Real Madrid, the next to make the big leap will be Estevao, who has already signed for Chelsea. The squad also includes two familiar faces from Serie A, Felipe Anderson and Gustavo Gomez, former players of Lazio and Milan.

THE COACH - Abel Ferreira

The longest-serving coach in Brazil. The 47-year-old Portuguese coach, after spending an honest career as a footballer entirely in his homeland and coaching Sporting's B team, Braga and PAOK, found success in Brazil: all of Palmeiras' recent triumphs have come with him at the helm. So much so that the Brazil football association (CBF) considered him for the Selecao bench before reaching an agreement with Carlo Ancelotti.

THE STAR - Estevao

Having turned 18 in April, Estevao is the new star of Brazilian football. Nicknamed Messinho, a moniker that needs little explanation, he shares his favourite foot and playing style with Messi: he is a left-footed striker who likes to start on the right and unleash his talent across the entire attacking zone. He has enormous quality, flashes of brilliance and unpredictable dribbling skills, and will be playing for Chelsea next season.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Paulinho

Although not a pure centre forward, in 2023 he was the top scorer in the Brazilian league with Atletico Mineiro. Almost 25 years old and formerly of Bayer Leverkusen, he suffered a serious knee injury in recent months but Palmeiras signed him anyway. He is currently recovering and there is curiosity to see if he can return to the form he showed at Galo.

TYPICAL FORMATION (3-4-3): Weverton; Giay, Gomez, Bruno Fuchs; Allan, Rios, Moreno, Piquerez; Estevao, Lopez, Paulinho. Coach: Abel Ferreira

The most successful team in Egypt and Africa, as well as one of the most successful in the world, arrives in the United States with the desire to impress and defy the odds, which project them to finish at the bottom of Group A. At home and on the continent, the Cairo club has dominated in recent years, winning three consecutive league titles (the last at the end of May) and two African Champions League titles. In total, they have won 44 national titles, an absolute record for Egyptian football. In last December's Intercontinental Cup, Al-Ahly were knocked out in the second match against Pachuca.

THE COACH - Jose Riveiro

The Club World Cup will mark the debut of the 49-year-old Spaniard at the helm of Al-Ahly. Riveiro has mainly coached in Finland, but is coming off a three-year stint with South African side Orlando Pirates. He takes over from Marcel Koller, formerly of Basel, who was sacked after the team's elimination from the CAF Champions League at the end of April. In the meantime, the league title was won by caretaker manager Emad El Nahhas.

THE STAR - Emam Ashour

The 27-year-old is technically a midfielder but scores as many goals as a striker. In 2024-2025, he was on fire in front of goal, scoring 13 times in the league and another five in the African Champions League. A complete player, he is Al-Ahly's main hope.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Wessam Abou Ali

Sharing the scoring responsibility with Ashour is Wessam Abou Ali, 26, born in Denmark but naturalised Palestinian. Unlike his teammate, he is a true striker: the team's centre forward. He was the top scorer in the final round that earned the title with eight goals.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-3-3): El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Al Aash, Koka; El Soleya, Ashour, Attia; Mohamed, Abou Ali, Bencharki. Coach: Riveiro

The most glamorous team in MLS faces the test of the Club World Cup. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez's Inter Miami, along with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, are trying to put a difficult first half of 2025 behind them. Javier Mascherano's team are fighting for a place in the MLS playoffs, but unlike in 2024, when it finished top of the Eastern Conference, it is not currently in contention for the title. Its CONCACAF Champions League adventure came to a bitter end in the semi-finals at the hands of Vancouver Whitecaps.

THE COACH - Javier Mascherano

The former Barcelona utility player, who turns 41 in June, began his coaching career in Argentina's youth teams, leading the Under-23s at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In November last year, Inter Miami turned to him to replace another Argentine, Gerardo Martino.

THE STAR - Lionel Messi

It can only be La Pulga, who chose MLS and the United States as his retirement home in the final stages of a remarkable career. He is undoubtedly the key man at Inter Miami. All the club's ambitions, both at home and abroad, rest on him and his magical left foot. His scoring average is no longer what it once was, but the former Barcelona star still found the net 21 times in the league in 2024.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Benjamin Cremaschi

Simply one of the most exciting young players on the planet. At 20, he has already found a more than respectable place alongside the likes of Messi, Suarez and Busquets. A box-to-box midfielder who can play as a central midfielder or a few metres further forward, he has dual US and Argentine nationality and is currently playing for the US Under-20 team.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-4-2): Ustari; Fray, Lujan, Allen, Jordi Alba; Segovia, Bright, Busquets, Allende; Messi, Suarez. Coach: Mascherano

Group B features two top European clubs: PSG, Champions League winners, and Atletico Madrid. Completing the group are Brazilian side Botafogo andUS team Seattle Sounders.

On paper, the two teams that seem most likely to qualify for the round of 16 are PSG and Atletico, who are undoubtedly favourites to make it through the first stage. Both European teams, who qualified thanks to their UEFA rankings, will have to be wary of Botafogo, the reigning South American champions after winning the Copa Libertadores on 30 November. Finally, there are the Seattle Sounders, who reached the main draw of the tournament thanks to their victory in the North American Champions League in 2022.

PSG is set to compete in the first 32-team Club World Cup after sealing an unforgettable season with their first ever Champions League victory, crushing Inter 5-0 in the final. Before their triumph in Munich, the French side had enjoyed a simply perfect season, crowned by a veritable haul of trophies on home soil, including the Ligue 1 title, the French Cup and the French Super Cup.

THE COACH - Luis Enrique

The Spanish coach, who has just turned 55, is in his second season in Paris. His arrival on the bench has set new guidelines for the Parisian project: goodbye to superstars and crazy spending, and hello to young, talented players who make the French team one of the most beautiful and intriguing in the world. PSG play entertaining, attacking football, but they also have a solid defence. It is a sparkling technical project for a team with an average age of 24, which is impressive and suggests enormous room for growth. After dominating domestically for two years in a row, the Spanish coach has won his second Treble - after the one with Barcelona in the 2014-15 season - by also triumphing in the Champions League.

THE STAR - Ousmane Dembele

Under Luis Enrique's guidance, the French striker has exploded into action. The 1997-born player has had the best season of his career so far, rediscovering his goal-scoring form: the former Barcelona player is Paris' main striker. His 33 goals and 15 assists in all competitions speak for themselves.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Desire Doue

The 2005-born gem arrived at Luis Enrique's court last summer, with PSG picking him up from Rennes. Gifted with technical ability that is clearly above average, Doue is a versatile winger who can play on both the left and right sides, where he is deployed as a reverse winger. A crystal-clear talent, he has already entered the senior national team led by Didier Deschamps. Doue was the star of the Champions League final against Inter: in the 5-0 win over the Nerazzurri, the French gem scored two goals and provided an assist.

TYPICAL LINE-UP (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia. Coach: Luis Enrique

The Club World Cup represents Atletico Madrid's last chance to end the 2024-25 season with at least one trophy. After a promising start, the Colchoneros' season has gradually faded: third place in La Liga behind Real Madrid and 12 points behind Spanish champions Barcelona, semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and the last 16 of the Champions League, where Atleti were knocked out by Real.

THE COACH - Diego Simeone

The Argentine coach, who turned 55 on 28 April, is now a living legend at the Madrid club. Simeone has been in charge of the Rojiblancos for 14 years. At the helm of Atletico, Simeone has won a total of eight trophies, including two Spanish championships and two Europa Leagues. Completing the haul are two European Super Cups, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup.

THE STAR - Julian Alvarez

The other star at Atletico Madrid is, of course, Julian Alvarez. The Argentine striker, who arrived in the summer from Manchester City, is one of the main strikers in the Colchoneros' attack. In his first season in Madrid, he has scored 29 goals in 54 games in all competitions. In other words, a more than successful signing.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Giuliano Simeone

The 2002-born strikeris the son of 'Cholo' and brother of Giovanni, who recently won the Italian championship with Napoli. Giuliano, who can also play wide on the right wing, has become a key player in the 'Colchoneros' line-up: in the 2024-25 season, he played 47 games, scoring 5 goals and providing 8 assists.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Reinildo; Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Lino; Griezmann, Alvarez. Coach: Simeone

Group C of the Club World Cup is further enhanced by the presence of the South American champions, winners of the last edition of the Copa Libertadores. Fogao achieved a truly incredible feat in the final played at the Monumental in Buenos Aires on 30 November against Atletico Mineiro. Botafogo were reduced to 10 men after less than two minutes, but despite this, they managed to win 3-1 and get their hands on their first Libertadores trophy. Botafogo crowned a sensational 2024 by also winning the league title. The Brazilian club have been active in the transfer market to strengthen the team ahead of the tournament, welcoming, among others, two players with a past in Serie A - Arthur Cabral and Joaquin Correa. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to carve out a place in the starting XI right away.

THE COACH - Renato Paiva

Botafogo won the Copa Libertadores with Artur Jorge at the helm, but on 28 February, Renato Paiva took over as club coach. The Portuguese coach began his coaching career in Benfica's youth sector before moving between Central and South America. During his career, he has coached Ecuador's Independiente del Valle, Mexico's Leon and Toluca, Bahia, also in Brazil, and, since 2025, Botafogo.

THE STAR - Jefferson Savarino

Botafogo's star player is obviously their number 10. The talented Venezuelan, born in 1996, is the team's most creative and imaginative player. Quick on his feet and with above-average technical ability, Savarino can play both as an attacking midfielder and as a winger, operating on both the right and left flanks. He joined Botafogo in January 2024 and has so far scored 17 goals and provided 17 assists in 72 appearances.

PLAYER TO WATCH - Igor Jesus

Amongthe players to watch closely is the centre forward born in 2001, who arrived at Botafogo in the summer after spending the previous four years in the United Arab Emirates, where he played for Shabab Al-Ahli. His talent has also been noticed by Carlo Ancelotti, who kept him in the squad for his debut on the bench of the Brazilian national team. After the Club World Cup, he will join Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): John; Vitinho, Jair, Barboza, Telles; Gregore, Marlon Freitas; Artur, Savarino, Cuiabano; Igor Jesus. Coach: Renato Paiva

Inter Miami is not the only team representing the United States at the Club World Cup. Among the hosts are the Seattle Sounders, who qualified for the world championship by winning the CONCACAF Champions League in 2022, beating Pumas in the final. This success ended a long drought for Seattle Sounders, as it was the first time a US team had won the continental title since 2000.

THE COACH - Brian Schmetzer

The American coach is a true club legend. After playing for Seattle as a striker, the 1962-born coach began his coaching career in his hometown. Schmetzer has been at the helm of the Sounders since 2016 and has won two MLS titles and one CONCACAF Champions League during his tenure.

THE STAR - Albert Rusnak

The Slovakian attacking midfielder, who has scored seven goals in 38 appearances for his country, is the technical leader of the US franchise. A very versatile player, he can also play as a left winger or a central striker. In the first half of 2025, he is Seattle's top scorer with eight goals in total between MLS and CONCACAF Champions League.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Obed Vargas

Among the most interesting profiles in Seattle, the name to note down is definitely Obed Vargas, a midfielder born in the United States in 2005 but with a Mexican passport, who made his MLS debut at just 16 years of age. After choosing to represent Mexico, he made his senior international debut on 15 October against the United States.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Frei; Alex Roldan, Gomez, Kim, Tolo; Vargas, Cristian Roldan; de la Vega, Rusnak, Kent; Ferreira. Coach: Schmetzer

Among the teams drawn in Group C, the spotlight is obviously on Bayern Munich, with the Bavarians representing Europe in the group alongside Portuguese side Benfica. Both the Germans and the Portuguese secured their place in the World Cup thanks to their respective positions (1st and 5th) in the UEFA Ranking.

The other two teams in the group are Boca Juniors and Auckland City: the Xeneizes qualified for the World Cup thanks to their favourable position in the CONMEBOL Ranking, while the New Zealanders finished top of the OFC Ranking among the OFC Champions League winners. As this tournament has been cancelled, the slot has been awarded to the best team in the OFC four-year ranking among those who won the OFC Champions League between 2022 and 2024.

While Bayern are the big favourites in the group, Auckland City face a real 'mission impossible' to try and qualify for the round of 16. The race for second place, on paper, will therefore be marked by the duel between Benfica and Boca Juniors, with the Portuguese side looking to have a clear advantage.

After a year of fasting, an eternity in those parts, Bayern Munich is back on the German throne, dominating the Bundesliga championship. The Bavarians wiped out the competition, finishing the championship with a 13-point lead over Bayer Leverkusen, who won the title just a year earlier. Less successful, however, was their Champions League campaign, with Bayern crashing out in the quarter-finals against Inter. Bayern arrive at the Club World Cup with several players not at their best: Manuel Neuer and Jamal Musiala have only just returned from injury and will not be 100 per cent, while Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies have already seen their season come to an end.

THE COACH - Vincent Kompany

The 39-year-old Belgian coach achieved his goal in his first year on the Bavarian bench. His number one goal was to return to winning ways on the domestic front and, at the same time, go far in the Champions League. Mission accomplished in the league, but the European campaign left a lot to be desired, especially given the incredible string of injuries that slowed Bayern down at the crucial stage of the season.

THE STAR - Harry Kane

If Musiala, as mentioned, is not in top form, the spotlight will be on Harry Kane, fresh from his first career trophy. The English centre forward dominated the Bundesliga, scoring 26 times and finishing as top scorer. It is therefore logical to expect another tournament in which he will be the absolute protagonist.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Adam Aznou

The left-back, born in 2006, is Moroccan but was born in Spain and is one of Bayern's most interesting young players with huge potential. It cannot be ruled out that he could compete with Raphael Guerreiro for a place in the starting line-up.

TYPICAL LINE-UP (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Boey, Stanisic, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Muller, Coman; Kane. Coach: Kompany

Benfica are looking to bounce back at the Club World Cup after a rather complicated season. The year began with the dismissal of Roger Schmidt and the arrival of Bruno Lage on the bench. With the Portuguese at the helm, however, the Eagles had to surrender to Sporting in the fight for the Portuguese league title. Benfica also reached the Champions League round of 16, where they were defeated by Barcelona, while their only joy came in the form of the Taça da Liga victory. This was too little to consider it a positive year, with the Club World Cup now seen as a good opportunity to get back on track. Benfica qualified thanks to their position in the UEFA rankings, which, staying with Portuguese teams, also rewarded Porto.

THE COACH - Bruno Lage

The Portuguese coach took over on 5 September following Schmidt's dismissal. It was a return for the Lusitanian coach, who had already led Benfica as a replacement in the 2018-19 season when he achieved the feat of winning the league title. The following season, however, he resigned after winning the national Super Cup.

THE STAR - Vangelis Pavlidis

With Angel Di Maria's return to Argentina, the spotlight will inevitably be on the Greek striker, who has impressed in his first year with Benfica. Arriving in the summer from AZ, the 1998-born player scored 29 goals (and provided 12 assists) in all competitions, including 19 in the league and seven in the prestigious Champions League.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Florentino Luis

However, Benfica have other players of great value, and one of those being watched closely is Florentino Luis. The Portuguese player, born in 1999, is one of the most interesting players to come out of the Portuguese club in recent times. Skilled at shielding the defence, he has great ability in the build-up and in playing the ball out from the back. It is no coincidence that Fiorentina and Napoli have already made enquiries about him. The feeling is that they will not be the only ones.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-3-3): Trubin; Araujo, Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes, Florentino Luis, Kokcu; Bruma, Pavlidis, Akturkoglu. Coach: Bruno Lage

Among the 32 teams at the starting line of the 2025 Club World Cup, one of the most historic and decorated clubs in South American football stands out: Boca Juniors. The Xeneizes secured their place in the Club World Cup thanks to their position in the CONMEBOL rankings, which, alongside fellow big guns River Plate, opened the doors to the world stage. Boca had already participated in the Club World Cup in 2007, when the old seven-team format was still in place, losing 4-2 in the final to reigning European champions AC Milan.

THE COACH: Mariano Herron

The interim coach took over on 30 April from Fernando Gago, who was sacked after defeat in the Super Clasico against arch-rivals River Plate. Under Herron, Boca have played three games, winning one (on penalties) against Lanus, preceded by a draw with Tigre and followed by a home defeat against Independiente.

STAR PLAYER: Edinson Cavani

Despitebeing 38 years old and suffering from a nagging calf injury that has slowed him down in the last month, 'El Matador' remains the Xeneizes' most talented and experienced player. The Boca captain arrived in Buenos Aires in the summer of 2023 and has since scored 27 goals in 65 games.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Camilo Rey Domenech

The Argentine midfielder, born in 2006, made his first-team debut under Gago, making seven appearances in total. A midfielder with great quality and vision, he is probably the most promising talent at Boca. The Xeneizes, aware that they have a real gem on their hands, have taken precautions by including a £20 million release clause in his contract, which expires in December 2029.

TYPICAL LINE-UP (4-3-1-2): Marchesin; Advincula, Battaglia, Rojo, Blanco; Zenon, Delgado, Belmonte; Palacios; Cavani, Merentiel.

The only club representing Oceania in the FIFA Club World Cup will be Auckland City, which qualified thanks to its 1st place in the OFC ranking among the OFC Champions League champions. The New Zealanders have won the Oceania Champions League for four consecutive years, confirming their status as the continent's leading team in recent history.

THE COACH: Paul Posa

The63-year-old interim coachtook charge of the club on 20 January and has made a positive impact. Under his guidance, Auckland City has recorded seven wins, one draw and just one defeat.

THE STAR: Dylan Manickum

Auckland's number10 is one of the most experienced and technically gifted players in Posa's squad. At 32 years of age and with 47 goals in 147 games, it will be up to him to lead Auckland through this very difficult Group C.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Myer Bevan

Another playerto keep an eye on isthe28-year-old New Zealandstriker Myer Bevan, who has already scored seven times this season and has scored a total of 34 goals in 45 official matches since joining New Zealand's most successful club.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-4-2): Tracey; Ilich, Grey, Mitchell, Lobo; Lagos, Garriga, Manickum, Zhou; Kilkolly, Bevan.

The last group to be finalised. This is because it initially included Leon, which was then excluded in compliance with the rules on multiple ownership: the Mexican club is owned by Grupo Pachuca, which also controls Pachuca. Its place was therefore taken by Los Angeles FC, who beat Club America in the play-off organised to decide who would get the last ticket to the tournament.

The big favourite in Group D is Chelsea, who, fresh from winning the Europa Conference League, are the strongest team in the group in terms of structure and calibre. Enzo Maresca can count on a strong squad that has had an excellent season in the Premier League, finishing fourth and qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Flamengo are also eagerly awaited, going into the competition with a squad of excellent players and the knowledge that they have what it takes to secure one of the top two places.

Esperance, on the other hand, are the outsiders, having recently won their second consecutive league title and earned a place in the Club World Cup thanks to their top spot in the CAF rankings.

After a couple of seasons marked by huge investments and results that fell short of expectations, Chelsea are back in the spotlight. Until early 2025, it looked like they had what it takes to compete for the Premier League title, but then their performance dropped and they had to settle for fourth place, which still means a return to the Champions League. They will go into the Club World Cup galvanised by their historic triumph in the Europa Conference League. Thanks to their victory over Real Betis in the final, the Blues became the first European club to win all UEFA club competitions. Chelsea are the clear favourites to finish top of the group.

THE MANAGER - Enzo Maresca

He arrivedat Chelsea last summer after leading Leicester to Championship glory and perhaps needed a little time to win over the fans, but he eventually won them over with results and a style of play heavily focused on possession. Last season, his first as a head coach in the Premier League, he was undoubtedly one of the best managers in the English top flight.

THE STAR - Cole Palmer

At just 23 years of age, Cole Palmer is already considered one of the best players in Europe. Chelsea invested £47 million to sign him from Manchester City in 2023, and the investment has proved to be spot on. Palmer immediately became one of the most important players in the team, establishing himself not only as one of the strongest and most versatile midfielders in the Premier League, but also as one of the most prolific. He finished last season with a score of 15 goals in 37 games and is already part of the English senior national team.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Noni Madueke

A left-footed attacking winger, he prefers to play on the right wing before cutting inside and shooting on goal. He joined Chelsea in January 2023 (the Blues paid PSV €35 million for his services) and has since established himself as one of the team's key players. Fast, powerful and skilful in dribbling, he finished the season with 11 goals in 41 games overall and is also one of the young gems around whom the English national team is trying to build a new and important cycle.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, E. Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku. Coach: Maresca

Flamengo earned a place in the Club World Cup thanks to their triumph in the Copa Libertadores in 2022. They are one of the most famous teams in the world and will also be able to count on a large number of supporters in the United States. They go into the tournament knowing they have what it takes to get through the group stage, as well as a significant advantage: the Brazilian league is in full swing, which means they will be in the best possible shape.

THE COACH - Filipe Luis

A very young coach, but one who has already earned important comparisons in Brazil. Filipe Luis hung up his boots in 2023 and immediately started coaching, starting with the youth sector of Flamengo, the club where he ended his excellent playing career. In September 2023, he made the big leap to the first team and quickly made his mark: in his first 166 days on the bench at Mengao, he won a Brazilian Cup, a Brazilian Super Cup, a Taca Guanabara and the Carioca Championship. One of his peculiarities is that he often changes formation during a match, switching from a four-man defence to a three-man defence.

THE STAR - Gerson

InItaly, he played for Roma and Fiorentina without making much of an impact, but on his return to Brazil, he not only reinvented himself but also became one of the stalwarts of the Selecao. He is the captain of Flamengo and the technical leader on the pitch. He can play in midfield as a playmaker, higher up as an attacking midfielder, second striker or winger. It is in the latter role that we are likely to see him most often at the Club World Cup.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Pedro

As a youngster, Pedro was talked about as an extraordinary talent who even ended up on Real Madrid's radar, but a serious knee injury slowed his development while he was still playing for Fluminense. Today, he is one of the strongest strikers in the Brazilian league and could prove to be one of the biggest surprises of the Club World Cup.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Rossi; Wesley, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira, Alex Sandro; Pulgar, De La Cruz; Gerson, De Arrascaeta, Everton; Pedro. Coach: Filipe Luis.

It is one of the youngest franchises in MLS, having only joined in 2018, but it has achieved significant results in recent years, including winning the MLS Cup in 2022. It is the last team to qualify for the tournament, taking advantage of Leon's exclusion and then beating Club America 2-1 in extra time in the play-off for the last place in Group D. On paper, LAFC are not among the favourites to progress, but there is a squad of experienced players who will try to play their cards right.

THE COACH - Steve Cherundolo

He wasone of the strongest American players ever and gained extensive experience in Europe with Hannover, where he was a stalwart for fourteen years. He now sits on the bench of Los Angeles FC and has achieved significant results, winning the Supporters' Shield and the MLS championship in 2022 and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2024.

THE STAR - Hugo Lloris

Formany years, he was considered one of the best goalkeepers on the planet. A pillar of Tottenham for twelve years and former captain of the French national team, with whom he won a World Cup and a Nations League, he is one of the team's strong points. In Los Angeles, he has been reunited with his former national teammate Olivier Giroud, another champion with vast experience and an impressive trophy cabinet.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Denis Bouanga

A prolific winger who, after many years in France between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, has found his natural habitat in MLS. Top scorer in 2023 in both the MLS (20 goals) and the CONCACAF Champions League (7 goals), he has earned a place in the Top XI of the US top flight over the last two years. He is no longer a youngster, having already reached the age of 30, but he could be one of the revelations of the group.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-3-3): Lloris; Palencia, Segura, Long, Hollingshead; Delgado, Igor Jesus, Tillman; Ordaz, Ebobisse, Bouanga. Coach: Cherundulo

Esperance Are one of four teams representing African football at the Club World Cup and earned their place in the tournament thanks to its ranking. They are Tunisia's most successful team and will arrive in the United States as national champions, having recently won Ligue Professionnelle 1 (their eighth title in the last nine years). On paper, they are not among the favourites in the group, but they will try to surprise everyone.

THE COACH - Maher Kanzari

A highly experienced coach who has also worked in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, he boasts an impressive track record and returned to Esperance last March after already winning many trophies with the Tunisian side in the past. During this season, he has revitalised the team with his work, winning eight of the eleven league games played. This decisive run saw them finish ahead of Monastir and Etoile Sahel in a photo finish.

THE STAR - Sasse

A Brazilian attacking wingerwho can play on the right, left or as an attacking midfielder and centre forward, he has had an excellent season, scoring 15 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions. During his career, he has played in Brazil, Turkey and Australia, but it is in Tunisia that he has found his niche.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Abdramane Konate

He is only 18 years old, but he is already a permanent fixture in the Esperance starting line-up. He joined the Ivory Coast senior national team at a very young age (making his debut at 16) and is a midfielder whose strength lies in his versatility: he can play in front of the defence, as an attacking midfielder or on the wing, and has even been used as a left-back when needed.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Memmiche; Bouchniba, Jelassi, Tougai, Ben Hamida; Tka, Ogbelu, Konate; Mokwana, Sasse, Belaili; Rodrigues. Coach: Kanzari.

Group E features a mix of European and South American tradition with a touch of Asian and North American football. Leading the way is Inter, who come into the tournament with a solid squad and a well-established style of play. The Nerazzurri are one of the favourites not only to qualify for the round of 16 but also to win the title.

Alongside Inter is River Plate, the 2024 Copa Libertadores champions and one of the most prestigious and beloved clubs in South America. The Argentine side is renowned for its intensity and ability to perform in big games, posing a serious threat to any opponent.

Monterrey adds a touch of Central American football to the group: the Rayados have extensive international experience and a passionate fan base, who will be hoping to see their team fight to the end for a place in the last 16.

Rounding off the group is Urawa Red Diamonds, winners of the 2022 AFC Champions League. The Japanese club aims to surprise and assert itself with the disciplined and organised play typical of Asian teams. However, the experience and quality of Inter and River Plate seem to give them a slight advantage in the race for qualification.

Inter arrive at the 2025 Club World Cup after an intense season, culminating in the Champions League final against PSG. It was a heavy defeat that the Nerazzurri will be hoping to avenge - albeit in part - on their trip to the United States. Simone Inzaghi will not be on the bench, having left the club after losing his second final in three years. The Nerazzurri showed defensive solidity and a prolific attack on the international stage right up until the final act at the Allianz Arena, with an incredible run before their collapse in the last game. The final marked the end of a disappointing season in Italy, with second place in the league, elimination from the Coppa Italia in the semi-finals and defeat in the Supercoppa Italiana final, both at the hands of rivals AC Milan. This is an opportunity for redemption for the Nerazzurri, who have shown in the Champions League that they can compete at the highest level in Europe.

THE COACH – Cristian Chivu

Inter chose him to replace Simone Inzaghi, who left for Saudi Arabia to coach Al-Hilal. This is a return for the Romanian, who already played for Inter as a player, winning the Treble in 2010, and also coached the Nerazzurri youth teams, winning the Primavera Scudetto in 2022. At Parma, he replaced Fabio Pecchia during the season, securing safety on the last day of his first year as a coach in Serie A.

THE STAR – Lautaro Martinez

Thetechnical and charismatic leaderof Inter, the Argentine striker has raised his game to become one of the best in the world in his position. The decisive Toro is called upon to lead the Nerazzurri in the Champions League with his goals, with the aim of repeating his triumph with Argentina in Qatar and ending a season of ups and downs in the best possible way.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH – Denzel Dumfries

Thedouble header against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals was the highlight of the season for the Dutch winger, who scored twice (and provided an assist) at Montjuic and repeated the feat in the return leg with two assists at San Siro in an epic 4-3 win. This season has been a definitive one for Dumfries, who has evolved into a key player for Inter. With 11 goals, 6 assists and a thorn in the side of opposing defences, he has also shown great growth in recent months in the defensive phase, completing his development.

TYPICAL LINE-UP (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro, Thuram. Coach: Chivu

River Plate enter the 2025 Club World Cup as one of the strongest teams in South America. Under the guidance of Marcelo Gallardo, who returned to the helm in 2024, Los Millonarios have maintained an attacking and organised style of play, focusing on emerging young talent. With 38 Argentine titles and four Copa Libertadores trophies in their cabinet, Los Millonarios are at the top of the Apertura standings and aiming to triumph at home, but that's not all.

THE COACH – Marcelo Gallardo

Returningto River Plate in August 2024 after a spell in charge of Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Gallardo signed a contract until December 2025. With an average of almost two points per game and a preference for an attacking 4-3-3 formation, he has brought enthusiasm and positive results back to the club, which now aims to impress in the world competition.

THE STAR – Sebastian Driussi

A striker born in 1996, known for his attacking versatility, technique, dribbling and vision, Sebastian Driussi came through the ranks at River Plate, winning a Copa Libertadores and other trophies with the club before moving to Zenit, where he won three Russian championships. From 2021 to 2024, he played for Austin FC, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer. In January 2025, he returned to River, bringing with him his wealth of technical and tactical skills and experience.

PLAYER TO WATCH – Franco Mastantuono

A 17-year-old left-footed midfielder, Mastantuono is considered one of the most promising talents in Argentine football. With his refined dribbling and vision, he has attracted the interest of European clubs such as Real Madrid, PSG, Juventus and Inter. The 2007-born player has already shown all his talent, making headlines with a stunning free kick from more than 30 metres in the SuperClasico against Boca Juniors.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-3-3): Armani; Bustos, Martinez Quarta, Paulo Diaz, Acuna; Nacho Fernandez, Enzo Perez, Castano; Mastantuono, Driussi, Colidio. Coach: Gallardo

Urawa Red Diamonds, one of Japan's most successful teams, are heading into the 2025 Club World Cup with the aim of representing Asia to the highest standard.

THE COACH – Maciej Skorza

MaciejSkorza is a Polish coach born in 1972, currently in charge of Urawa Red Diamonds. After a brief playing career, he began coaching in the 1990s, establishing himself with leading clubs in Poland such as Wisla Krakow, Legia Warsaw and Lech Poznan, with whom he won four championships, three Polish Cups and one Super Cup. He also had international experience, including with Ettifaq FC in Saudi Arabia and the UAE U23 national team. In 2022, he won the AFC Champions League with Urawa Reds, the club he returned to in 2024. He is known for his pragmatic and organised playing philosophy, often based on a 4-2-3-1 formation, with an emphasis on tactical balance, orderly pressing and transition management.

THE STAR – Genki Haraguchi

Aftera long spell in Europe, particularly in Germany, the 1991-born player returned home to Japan to join Urawa Red Diamonds. An attacking midfielder known for his speed, technique and tactical intelligence, he began his professional career with the club he returned to in recent weeks, where he established himself as one of Japan's most promising young talents. He then moved to Europe, playing in Germany for clubs such as Hertha Berlin, Fortuna Dusseldorf and Hannover 96. Haraguchi has also represented Japan in several international competitions, including the World Cup and the Asian Cup, contributing with goals and assists thanks to his great dribbling skills and vision.

PLAYER TO WATCH – Junpei Hayakawa

Bornin 2005 in Saitama, Junpei Hayakawa came up through the club's youth ranks and made his first-team debut in 2023, becoming the club's youngest goalscorer in official competitions. A quick and technical left-footed winger with a low centre of gravity and great dribbling ability, he is considered one of the emerging talents of Japanese football. He is not top of the pecking order yet, but he could be the big surprise.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Nishikawa; Ishihara, Danilo Boza, Hoibraten, Ogiwara; Yasui, Gustafson; Okubo, Haraguchi, Matheus Savio; Thiago. Coach: Skorza

Rayados are heading to the 2025 Club World Cup with an experienced and ambitious squad. After being knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Clausura, they have hired Domenec Torrent as their new coach. Sergio Ramos' new team enters the competition thanks to their victory in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League.

THE COACH – Domenec Torrent

Appointedin May 2025, he was Pep Guardiola's right-hand man for years at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City, winning numerous titles including three Champions Leagues, three Spanish championships, three German championships and one English championship. Since 2018, he has embarked on a career as head coach, leading New York City FC, Flamengo, Galatasaray and, since 2025, Monterrey. His playing philosophy, strongly influenced by 'Guardiolismo', is based on ball possession, building from the back and high pressing, but adapting the system to the players available to maintain an attacking and proactive identity at all times.

THE STAR – Sergio Ramos

A playerwho needs little introduction. A veteran defender, Sergio Ramos brings leadership and solidity to the back line. His international experience will be an added bonus for Monterrey. The former Real Madrid stalwart has chosen the number 93 shirt and immediately donned the captain's armband, offering the Mexican side all his experience and charisma.

ONE TO WATCH – Iker Fimbres

Knownfor his vision, refined technique and ability to get into the box, qualities that make him ideal for new coach Domenec Torrent's proactive system, the attacking midfielder was born in 2005. He came up through the club's youth ranks and made his first-team debut in the 2024 Apertura tournament. He is currently considered one of the brightest talents in Mexican football.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Andrada; Salcedo, Sergio Ramos, Guzman, Arteaga; Rodriguez, Ambriz; Canales, Fimbres, Ocampos; Berterame. Coach: Torrent

Group F has a clear favourite: Borussia Dortmund, the team that reached the Champions League final in 2024 and was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Barcelona this year. The Germans are in the Club World Cup thanks to their excellent UEFA ranking in the last four editions of the Champions League.

In second place are the Brazilians of Fluminense, winners of the Copa Libertadores in 2023 and chasing one of the two qualifying places. The other two teams in the group, Ulsan and Mamelodi Sundowns, are clear underdogs: the South Koreans qualified for the World Cup thanks to their position in the AFC Ranking, while the South Africans qualified thanks to their position in the CAF Ranking.

Borussia Dortmund arrive at the World Cup in great shape. The Black and Yellows redeemed a very complicated season at the last minute, winning seven of their last eight Bundesliga matches - the eighth ended in a draw at Bayern - and qualifying for the Champions League on the last day. In between, there was a bit of everything: a change of coach (from Nuri Sahin to Niko Kovac), elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona, and exit from the DFB Pokal in October. A year after losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid, BVB (who strengthened their squad with the signing of Jobe Bellingham shortly before the start of the tournament) are flying to the United States with modest ambitions. In the meantime, they are the favourites in Group F.

THE COACH - Niko Kovac

Fresh from a couple of mixed experiences between Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg, the eldest of the Kovac brothers was called to Dortmund's rescue in January. And he did not disappoint: he took the team from 11th place to fourth, qualifying them for the Champions League against the odds. With him, the team has regained its composure after the chaos of the start of the season.

THE STAR - Serhou Guirassy

He is second only to Harry Kane right now. Top scorer in last season's Bundesliga with Stuttgart, Guirassy almost repeated the feat this year, finishing with 21 goals, an excellent tally. He is clearly Borussia Dortmund's main attacking threat.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Jobe Bellingham

He has just followed in Jude's footsteps, moving from England to Borussia Dortmund, with the difference that the Germans picked him up from Sunderland and not Birmingham City. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder was signed for a potential £38 million and will have the opportunity in the United States to prove to the world that he is not just 'the brother of'.

TYPICAL FORMATION (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Sule, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Gross, Nmecha, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy. Coach: Kovac

A mid-table team in the Brazilian league, Fluminense are looking to bounce back after a thrilling 2024, which saw them survive on the last day after spending the entire first half of the season at the bottom of the table. The previous year, the Rio de Janeiro club won the Copa Libertadores, the first in its history, earning the right to compete in the Club World Cup. An inconsistent team, the main objective is to qualify again for the Libertadores and perhaps win one of the cups in which they are currently involved, namely the Copa Sudamericana and the Copa do Brasil. Recently, Fluminense lost striker German Cano, voted South American Player of the Year in 2023, to injury, among others.

THE COACH - Renato Gaucho

Renato Portaluppi has become one of the most successful coaches in Brazil and South America. He replaced Mano Menezes at the beginning of April, returning to Fluminense after 11 years.

THE STAR - Thiago Silva

At 40 years of age, the former AC Milan, PSG and Chelsea centre-back is still at the top of his game. Returning to the team where he grew up and has always been a fan, he played a key role in helping them avoid relegation in 2024.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Jhon Arias

The most sought-after player at the club is the 27-year-old Colombian whom Flu picked up in 2021 from Santa Fe. An outside forward who prefers to play on the right, he can also be deployed on the opposite flank but can even play as a number 10 if necessary. Assists are his forte. He is an undisputed starter for the Cafeteros, alongside Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Fabio; Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes, Fuentes; Martinelli, Hercules; Arias, Ganso, Serna; Everaldo. Coach: Renato Gaucho

The only Korean representative at the Club World Cup, Ulsan qualified thanks to their excellent position in the AFC Ranking. Although they did not win the AFC Champions League, a feat achieved in 2012 and then in 2020, the Asian club reached the semi-finals of the competition in both 2021 and 2024. At home, Ulsan HD have dominated in recent seasons, winning the league three times in a row from 2022 to 2024, more than they had ever done in their entire history (before that, they had won just twice). This year, they are once again in contention for the top spots in the K-League. In the United States, Ulsan will try to defy the odds that have them placed in the second tier alongside Mamelodi Sundowns.

THE COACH - Kim Pan-Gon

The 56-year-old, who played for Ulsan during his playing career, returned in 2024 and won the national title. He had previously coached two other Asian national teams, first Hong Kong and then Malaysia.

THE STAR - Kim Young-Gwon

The team's central defender and leader, at 35, he will be tasked with guiding Ulsan from the back. He has only played in Japan and China during his career, but has made more than 100 appearances for South Korea and participated in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, scoring against Germany and Portugal.

PLAYER TO WATCH - Erick Farias

The 28-year-old Brazilian striker agreed in March to return to play outside his country after a spell with Danish side Velje a decade ago. In South Korea, after much wandering, he seems to have finally found his ideal environment: since his arrival, he has scored nine goals, becoming the team's main attacking threat.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Jo Hyeon-Woo; Kang Sang-Woo, Seo Myung-Gwan, Park Min-Seo; Bojanic, Jung Woo-Young; Lee Chung-Yong, Ko Seung-Beom, Yoon Jae-Seok; Erick Farias. Coach: Kim Pan-Gon

Based in Pretoria, South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns are playing in the Club World Cup for the second time after their only appearance in 2016, the year in which they won the only African Champions League in their history. The 'Brazilians', so called because of the similarity of their shirts to those of the Brazilian national team, qualified for the US tournament thanks to their position in the CAF rankings over the last few seasons. They are a powerhouse at home, having just won their 18th league title, their eighth in a row and their tenth since 2013. However, they have just seen their chance to win a second Champions League title slip away after losing to Egyptian side Pyramids in the final.

THE COACH - Miguel Cardoso

Born in 1972, Portuguese Miguel Cardoso has worked practically all over the world: from France to Ukraine, Spain to Greece, via Tunisia. Mamelodi Sundowns called upon his services in December 2024, two months after his dismissal from Esperance Tunis, and with him came yet another national title.

THE STAR - Themba Zwane

Turning 36 in August, he is unanimously considered one of the best players in the history not only of Mamelodi Sundowns, where he has played since 2011, but of the whole of South Africa. A quality attacking midfielder, he returned to the pitch in April after several months out with injury.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Lucas Ribeiro

The 26-year-old left-footed winger, who likes to start on the right, joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023 after spells in France and Belgium and has made a huge impact: 12 goals in 2023-2024 and 16 in 2024-2025. Although he is not a centre forward, he is the team's main goal scorer.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Khoza, Lebusa, Modiba; Mokoena, Allende; Lucas Ribeiro, Arthur Sales, Matthews; Rayners. Coach: Cardoso

Group G is one of the most eagerly awaited in the tournament. Juventus, coached by Igor Tudor, qualified thanks to their UEFA ranking and are one of the most prestigious and successful teams in Europe. With a mix of experience and young talent, Juve are aiming to progress to the next round.

In the group, the Bianconeri's main rival is Manchester City, winner of the UEFA Champions League in 2023. Despite a disappointing season, Pep Guardiola's Citizens remain a well-oiled machine, with a deep squad and a dominant playing philosophy - they are the favourites.

Wydad Casablanca represent African football in Group G: a historic club accustomed to international challenges and winner of the 2022 CAF Champions League. Wydad have shown in the past that they can compete with the big European teams and will be looking to achieve a historic result in the US.

Al Ain, the Emirati champions of the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League, should not be underestimated and are looking to surprise on the global stage.

After a trophy-less 2024-25 season, their first since 2017, Manchester City head into the 2025 Club World Cup looking to bounce back. Despite the difficulties, the team remains one of the most feared in the world, thanks to the quality of their squad and their international experience. After four consecutive Premier League titles, the Citizens ended the season empty-handed and were eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League.

THE MANAGER – Pep Guardiola

Atthe helm of City since 2016, Guardiola recently extended his contract until 2027. He has announced his intention to take a break at the end of this period. With 18 trophies won, he is considered the most successful manager in City's history. He is one of the most successful and influential coaches in modern football. After a brilliant career as a midfielder at Johan Cruyff's Barcelona, he began coaching the Blaugrana in 2008, winning 14 trophies in four years, including two Champions Leagues. He then led Bayern Munich (2013–2016), winning three Bundesliga titles, and since 2016 he has been at Manchester City, with whom he has won six Premier League titles, one Champions League and achieved the Treble in 2023. His playing philosophy, based on ball possession, high pressing and positional superiority, has revolutionised contemporary football.

THE STAR – Erling Haaland

Ina team full of stars, the Norwegian striker has continued to be the team's attacking reference point, despite occasional difficulties. He has scored over 30 goals for the third season in a row and has an incredible scoring rate, which has not been affected by the team's poor season. He is undoubtedly among the candidates for the Club World Cup top scorer title.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH – Oscar Bobb

AmongCity's champions, Oscar Bobb, a talented Norwegian winger born in 2003, has been the surprise star in recent months. An elegant and creative left-footer, he stands out for his dribbling, vision and tactical intelligence. He can play on both wings or as an attacking midfielder, interpreting the role according to Guardiola's principles of positional play. Technical, quick and unpredictable, he is considered one of the most promising young players in Europe.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, Reijnders; Bernardo Silva, Cherki, Foden; Haaland. Coach: Guardiola

Juventus head into the 2025 Club World Cup after a mixed season in Serie A. With the aim of returning to the top of European football, the team is relying on a mix of young talent and experienced players. The change on the bench, with Igor Tudor replacing Thiago Motta, has brought the desired results, with the team managing to qualify for next season's Champions League. The Club World Cup represents an important opportunity for the Bianconeri, not only to showcase their talent on the international stage, but also to continue their growth and try to improve their trophy haul.

THE COACH – Igor Tudor

Taking overfrom Thiago Motta in March 2025, Tudor has improved the team's performance, leading them to fourth place in the league, which qualifies them for the next Champions League. Known for his aggressive and intense approach to football, the Croatian's mantra is high pressing and solid defence. Tudor prefers a physical style of football, pushing his team to recover the ball quickly and manage possession dynamically through his trademark 3-4-2-1 formation.

THE STAR – Dusan Vlahovic

With15 goals and five assists in 40 appearances this season, the Serbian striker has been the team's top scorer in all competitions and is determined to finish the season on a high note. The Club World Cup represents an opportunity to leave an indelible mark in Juventus' history, despite rumours linking him with a move away from Turin next season. Under Tudor, who took over in March 2025, Vlahovic has regained confidence and a central role in the coach's plans.

PLAYER TO WATCH – Kenan Yildiz

Theyoung Turkish attacking midfielder is considered one of the most promising emerging talents on the European scene. The 2005-born player is shining, having scored eight goals and provided seven assists in the 2024-25 season, showing convincing performances and consistent growth. His dribbling skills, vision and ability to score decisive goals make him a key asset for the present and future of Juventus, who are counting on him heavily ahead of the Club World Cup.

TYPICAL FORMATION (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Gatti, Veiga; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Yildiz, Nico Gonzalez; Vlahovic. Coach: Tudor

The most popular and supported club in the United Arab Emirates, Al Ain earned their place in the Club World Cup thanks to their triumph in the AFC Champions League with Hernan Crespo at the helm. The former striker was sacked last November and has been replaced by former Watford coach Vladimir Ivic. The Emirati side strengthened their squad with the signings of Rui Patricio, whose contract with Atalanta expired, Yahya Benkhaleq from FUS Rabat, Adis Jasic from Austrian side Wolfsberger and Marcel Ratnik from Olimpija Ljubljana.

THE COACH – Vladimir Ivic

TheSerbian coach took charge of the team in February 2025, signing an 18-month contract. A former attacking midfielder, he won the Greek Cup with PAOK (2016-17) and two consecutive Israeli championships with Maccabi Tel Aviv, as well as a Super Cup and a Toto Cup. He also had spells with Watford and Krasnodar. His playing philosophy is pragmatic and adaptable: he prefers systems such as 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, focusing on defensive compactness and quick transitions, with the primary objective of achieving concrete results.

THE STAR – Soufiane Rahimi

The Moroccan strikerwas instrumental in winning the AFC Champions League, scoring 13 goals in as many games. A fast and technical attacking winger, he is capable of playing on both flanks but is lethal when starting on the left and cutting inside onto his right foot. He came up through the ranks at Raja Casablanca, with whom he won the CAF Confederation Cup (2018) and the CAF Super Cup (2019), before moving to Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates in 2021, where he made a definitive leap in quality, becoming the star of the team that sat on the throne of Asia. He has won two Africa Cup of Nations titles with Morocco and was named the tournament's best player in 2020.

PLAYER TO WATCH – Matias Segovia

A talentedParaguayan winger born in 2003, he is a natural left-footer who stands out for his lightning dribbling, superb technique and creative vision. He can play on both wings or as an attacking midfielder, preferring to start on the left and cut inside. He came through the ranks at Guarani before moving to Botafogo and Molenbeek. He arrived in the United Arab Emirates last summer and won gold with Paraguay's youth national team at the 2022 South American Games.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Rui Patricio; Al-Ahbabi, Cardoso, Kouadio, Erik; Park Yong-woo, Nader; Segovia, Kaku, Rahimi; Laba. Coach: Ivic

Wydad Casablanca will participate in the 2025 Club World Cup thanks to their victory in the 2021-22 CAF Champions League. The Moroccan team will aim to advance beyond the second round of the tournament. One of the most prestigious clubs in Morocco and Africa, Wydad are the country's most successful club, with 22 Moroccan championships, nine Throne Cups and three CAF Champions League titles (1992, 2017, 2022).

THE COACH – Mohamed Amine Benchachem

Followingthe recent departure of Rhulani Mokwena, Benchachem has been appointed as the team's new coach. A former left midfielder for Wydad AC, with whom he won the Throne Cup (2001) and the CAF Cup Winners' Cup (2002), he retired in 2004 and became a coach in 2008, leading clubs such as Ittihad Tanger, Olympique Safi and FUS Rabat. In 2025, he was appointed sporting director of Wydad AC. Throughout his coaching career, he has always stood out for his attacking philosophy based on ball possession, the 4-2-3-1 formation and the development of young talent.

THE STAR – Jamal Harkass

A leaderin defence, he is a rock in the centre of the park. He grew up playing football in France, where he made a name for himself at Le Mans and Orleans before moving to Wydad Casablanca in 2023. A player with outstanding tactical skills, physically strong and clean in his tackles, he stands out for his quiet leadership and ability to read the game. With Wydad, he won the Throne Cup and the CAF Champions League, confirming his status as a reliable and rising star in Africa and beyond.

PLAYER TO WATCH – Mohamed Rayhi

A Dutch wingerwith great attacking impact. With 13 goals this season, he is the club's top scorer and an absolute star thanks to his speed, technique and ability to create chances. A key player in the red and white attack, he is considered one of the revelations of African football, ready to shine in the Club World Cup.

TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): El Motie; Moufid, Harkass, Boutoil, Nassik; El Moubarik, Sakhi; Chadli, Zemraoui, Rayhi; Mailula. Coach: Benchachem

Group H will be one of the most intriguing, as it will see Xabi Alonso'snew Real Madrid in action for the first time. Los Blancos are the favourites to win the group and will be looking to redeem themselves at the Club World Cup after a season that did not go according to plan.

There is also great anticipation for Al-Hilal, one of the superstars of the Saudi Pro League. They have no shortage of star players, so it will be revealing to see how they fare against some of the best teams on the planet.

The outsiders in the group will be Pachuca, who qualified for the competition thanks to their triumph in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions League, and Salzburg, who entered the Club World Cup thanks to their position in the UEFA rankings and are coming off a less than positive year, having once again been defeated by Sturm Graz in the league and having had a short and disappointing run in the Champions League.

Real Madrid will be looking to redeem themselves in the Club World Cup after a disappointing season that marked the end of Carlo Ancelotti's adventure with Los Blancos. The team that will take to the field at the start of the tournament is brimming with stars and cannot be left out of the list of favourites for the final victory, but it is also at the beginning of a totally new cycle.

THE COACH: Xabi Alonso

Afterthe end of Ancelotti's extraordinary cycle (the Italian coach's second at the helm of the Blancos), the Real Madrid top brass decided to entrust the team to a young coach who is already considered by many to be among the best in the world: Xabi Alonso. He is fresh from a three-year stint in Germany, during which he achieved extraordinary things at Bayer Leverkusen. He led the Aspirins to their first Bundesliga title (unbeaten), ending Bayern Munich's long reign, as well as a German Cup and a German Super Cup.

THE STAR: Kylian Mbappe

It is difficultto choose just one star in Real Madrid's 'firmament', but Mbappe is obviously the brightest. Considered by many to be the best player in the world, the French striker scored 42 goals in 55 games overall, 31 of which came in 34 La Liga games, earning him the Pichichi award. Not even Cristiano Ronaldo did so well in his first year at Real.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Arda Guler

He is not coming off the season that many expected, but he remains one of the greatest talents in world football. Xabi Alonso's new formation, which features two players supporting the centre forward, means he will not start the season as a regular, but he could carve out an important role for himself during the course of the tournament.

TYPICAL LINE-UP (3-4-2-1): Courtois; Militao, Rudiger, Huijsen; Alexander-Arnold, Valverde, Tchoumeni, Mendy; Bellingham, Vinicius Jr.; Mbappe. Coach: Xabi Alonso

The only Austrian team to take part in the Club World Cup. Salzburg earnedtheir place in the competition thanks to their position in the UEFA ranking. Over the years, the club have earned a reputation as an extraordinary talent factory and, above all, have dominated at home, winning ten consecutive championships between 2014 and 2023. This season, they had to settle for second place in the Bundesliga, losing out to Sturm Graz for the second year in a row, and disappointed in the Champions League, where they recorded just one win and eight defeats in the group stage.

THE COACH - Thomas Letsch

A German coachwith extensive experience in Germany, the Netherlands and Austria, he has been at the helm of Salzburg since December, when he replaced the sacked Pepijn Lijnders. So far, he has won only nine of his 19 games as coach of the Austrian side (with four draws and six defeats), but his progress has also been hampered by numerous injuries that have hit the team and are likely to weigh heavily in the Club World Cup.

THE STAR - Oscar Gloukh

He canplay as an attacking midfielder or winger, is only 21 years old and has earned himself a formidable nickname: 'the Messi of Israel'. Technical, extremely strong in dribbling and very fast, in the last two seasons he has been directly involved in 45 of his team's goals and was the best assist provider in the last Austrian Bundesliga with 15 assists. He is yet another gem discovered and launched to the highest levels by Salzburg.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Joane Gadou

Raisedat PSG, he is a powerful centre-back, who is already considered one of the best talents in European football. He is talked about as a player destined for a future at one of Europe's top teams and decided to leave France last summer to join a club that is very good at developing and launching great prospects. His style is physical, but he also has a great ability to read the game and always find himself in the right place at the right time.

SALZBURG'S TYPICAL FORMATION (4-4-2): Schlager; Trummer, Baidoo, Gadou, Terzic; Nene, Capaldo, Bidstrup, Glouck; Vertessen, Onisiwo. Coach: Letsch

One of the most eagerly awaited teams in the tournament, if only because there is curiosity to see one of the leading lights of the Saudi Pro League face opponents of the highest calibre. After dominating the 2023-2024 season, including a record-breaking run of 34 consecutive victories, they have failed to repeat their success this season. They finished the league in second place behind Al-Ittihad and were knocked out in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League, while they lost the national cup in the final on penalties. Their only satisfaction came in the Super Cup, too little for a team built to dominate.

THE COACH - Simone Inzaghi

He certainly needs no introduction. The Club World Cup will be his first experience at the helm of Al-Hilal. The Saudi club officially announced his arrival on 4 June, entrusting him with a brand new and extremely ambitious project. This is Simone Inzaghi's first experience abroad, and he is preparing to embark on it after a four-year spell at Inter, marked by a Scudetto, three Italian Super Cups and two Coppa Italia titles. At the Club World Cup, he will try to achieve the satisfaction that will allow him to finally put the historic 5-0 defeat in the Champions League final against PSG behind him.

THE STAR - Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

In the summer of 2023, when he was considered one of the best midfielders in the world, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic surprised everyone by accepting the advances of the Saudi Pro League. It was a choice that took him away from the spotlight of big-time football, but his qualities remain. He is coming off an excellent season on a personal level, marked by outstanding performances and 17 goals scored in all competitions (a personal record), and he has already had the opportunity to work with his new coach Simone Inzaghi during his time at Lazio.

THE PLAYER TO WATCH - Marcos Leonardo

In September 2024, Al-Hilal paid Benfica around €40 million to secure Marcos Leonardo, a player who for several years was considered one of the greatest talents in Brazilian football. Born in 2003, he is an atypical centre forward (he can also play as an attacking midfielder) who is not particularly physically gifted but is very fast, good at finding space and also skilled in the air despite his small stature. In his first season in the Saudi Pro League, he scored 17 goals in 24 games before being sidelined by a muscle injury that kept him out of action since mid-April. If he regains his form, he could prove to be one of the most interesting players at the Club World Cup.

TYPICAL FORMATION (3-5-2): Bono; Al-Bulayhi, Tambakti, Koulibaly; Cancelo, Milinkovic-Savic, R. Neves, Kanno, R. Lodi; Marcos Leonardo, Mitrovic. Coach: Inzaghi

One of the outsiders in the group, but also a powerhouse of Mexican football. Pachuca earned a place in the Club World Cup by winning the CONCACAF Champions League in 2024. They have won the tournament six times since 2002, earning themselves a prominent place among North American teams. On paper, there are other favourites to finish in the top two places in the group, but Pachuca certainly have the capacity to surprise.

THE COACH: Jaime Lozano

Pachucaannounced that they had appointed Jaime Lozano as head coach a couple of weeks before the start of the Club World Cup. He has the difficult task of picking up where Guillermo Almada left off, a coach who left the club at the end of the season after three successful years marked by an attacking style of football. Lozano is a young coach, but already has excellent experience behind him: he was Mexico's head coach between June 2023 and July 2024, winning a CONCACAF Gold Cup and leading 'El Tri' to the Nations League final, while he earned a historic bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 with the Mexican Olympic team.

THE STAR - John Kennedy

The23-year-old Brazilian strikerjoined Pachuca last January and has established himself as one of the team's undisputed starters. Fast, talented and skilful in the penalty area, he can play in all attacking positions. Linked with several European clubs in the past, he won many trophies with Fluminense, most notably the Copa Libertadores in 2023, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Boca Juniors.

PLAYER TO WATCH - Elias Montiel

Born in 2005, he is considered one of the greatest talents to come out of Mexican football in recent years. A central midfielder skilled in both build-up play and defence, despite his young age, he has long been one of the team's key players. In recent months, there has been talk of strong interest in him from several European clubs.

PACHUCA'S TYPICAL FORMATION (4-2-3-1): Moreno; L. Rodriguez, Barreto, Berlanga, B. Gonzalez; Pedraza, Montiel; Sigala, Kennedy, Idrissi; Rondon. Coach:Lozano