Club World Cup Tier Rankings: From Real Madrid’s decline to PSG’s ascension, who's here to win it, who's here for holiday, and who can capture the imagination of fans in U.S.?

Paris Saint-Germain: Luis Enrique has the Parisians playing football. After years of relying on star power, this is now a fun, young team with a point to prove. Sure, they've still spent big on some of the best young players in the world, but they ripped Inter to shreds in the Champions League final. There isn't a better team in world football at the moment.

Bayern Munich: They're not an unstoppable force, but Bayern walked to the Bundesliga title this year, and will always be strong - no matter the competition. The signing of Jonathan Tah reinforces the defense, while Harry Kane is always well placed to grab a goal or six.

Manchester City: From banter club to ominously back within a few months, City got hot towards the end of the season - and are now starting to look like a signature Pep Guardiola machine. They will likely still be tinkering with systems this summer as Guardiola tries to find a winning formula, but Rodri will be back in some form, and Erling Haaland should be in the team, too. One thing is for certain: this City team hates losing. For that reason alone, they could push to the top.

Chelsea: Time to find out how much a Europa Conference League means, then. Cole Palmer has found form again, while the signing of Liam Delap could give them some cutting edge up front. A few months ago, this would have been a laugh. Right now, though, Chelsea should be considered a top candidate.

Real Madrid: Really? Los Blancos, outside looking in? Yep. Madrid were miserable towards the end of last season, and completely lost their identity in the final days of Carlo Ancelotti's reign. Now, though, they have retooled, added some big names, as well as arguably the best young manager in Europe to lead it all. The reality is that they might need some time to piece it all together. If this were a couple months in the future, they're at the very top. For now, it's hard to know what to expect.

Atletico Madrid: Well, Antoine Griezmann is back, which sure is a lot of fun. Atleti did a pretty good job of crumbling over the last few months of the season, and saw their brief title challenge fade quickly. Julian Alvarez realized his potential in full, but there are concerns about their midfield.

Inter: Well, that all fell apart rapidly. Inter collapsed at the end of the season in style. First, there was a masterclass in throwing the Scudetto away. Next, it was a case of getting generationally battered in the UCL final. Inter look old and tired, which is a great recipe for playing in the American sun.

Juventus: Will the vibes of securing Champions League football help them out? Weston McKennie and Juve were better under Igor Tudor towards the end of the season, and they should, at the very least, be a nightmare to play against.

RB Salzburg: It's not like Salzburg are strapped for cash or talent, buoyed by the immensely lucrative Red Bull network. But they could really do with a boost after turning in a fairly miserable domestic season. If they keep promising talents such as Bobby Clark and Oscar Gloukh around, then who knows? Chuck in another chunk of dough in, and they should be set for the future.

Benfica: They just became significantly less fun after Angel Di Maria departed the club, and fell two points short of the Liga Portugal title. If top rivals lose Victor Gyokeres, they could be title faves next year - especially if they invest well.

Fluminense: No longer the team they once were, Fluminense are struggling massively for a club of their pedigree. Marcelo has gone, and the talent factory has rather dried up. On name brand alone, this will be a valuable excursion. But Thiago Silva playing out the last days of his career with a club from his home country is a nice vibe.

Porto: A Europa League exit was something of an embarrassment for a club that really belongs in the Champions League. And their season never really picked up from there, as the Dragons finished 11 points behind league winners Sporting. Striker Samu Aghehowa will be a good watch, but there is no guarantee they hang onto him after the tournament.

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Inter Miami: It's simple, really. If Miami lose with Lionel Messi, the storyline will be that MLS is rubbish and Messi is old. If Miami win with Messi, it will be, well, of course they won with Messi. Given their issues at center-back, it's all very up in the air.

Borussia Dortmund: Will Gio Reyna show up If the American plays well, then there's hope for the USMNT yet. But he hasn't kicked a ball coherently in ages. Odds are he sits on the bench for a Dortmund side who have fallen far in the last 12 months.

Al Hilal: It depends, really. If they do something silly go on a run, then there will be storylines and vibes abound. If not, they will need to show up as is and prove that the Saudi Pro League can be relevant outside of big paydays for European has-beens.

LAFC: They did well to get here, beating Club America in an play-in match, but one of MLS's richest teams have really faltered out of the gate in their domestic league. A few good showings will put them among the global conversation, but they might otherwise be examples of a league that has fallen off.

Monterrey: Sergio Ramos is in their ranks, which is pretty cool, and they are otherwise a fun legacy club who will be a nightmare to play against. Expect fans in droves.

Flamengo: The Rio-based club have been on fire over the last nine months, with Felipe Luis overseeing some fantastic football. They spent big on some top talent, and should be in the mix.

Urawa Red Diamonds: Urawa Reds have the coolest badge in the tournament. Period. Odds are, there will be plenty of Japanese fans pulling for them, too.

Mamelodi Sundowns FC: Their style of play is described as "Shoe Shine and piano" which sounds - and looks - like a lot of fun. It works, too, with Sundowns on the verge of a third straight league title.

Botafogo: Winners of a League-Copa Libertadores double last year, the Brazilian club have rather blown up their side since. But they will still be a fine watch.

Seattle Sounders: Head coach Brian Schmetzer has made it clear that his side is here to compete, but they might struggle in a tough group. Either way, the Sounders have a terrific fan base, and will certainly show up in numbers against the big boys. Any win would be special for one of MLS's best run clubs.

Palmeiras: Want to know who will be in the Chelsea loan army in three years? Watch Palmeiras. Estevao, soon to join the London club, is expected to be a standout. It will be a lovely occasion for one of South America's biggest clubs.

River Plate: It's been a fallow couple of years for one of Argentina's traditionally great clubs, but it will remain a pleasure to see them in the U.S. in front of thousands of their fans. Franco Mastantuono will look to make an impact in his River swansong ahead of a move to Madrid, though.

Boca Juniors: Siempre Boca, no? They may not have as many trophies as River, but their fanbase in the U.S. is bigger. Perennially cool, and starring former European standout Edison Cavani, the Buenos Aires team's fans will make noise wherever they go.

Pachuca: Founded by ex-pats from Southwest England, Pachuca have always had strong working class ties. They're not bad on the pitch, either, something they showed by battering Columbus Crew.

Al Ahly: Who? The Egyptian club are the most successful in Africa, and serial winners of their domestic league. They have enjoyed some Club World Cup success, too, finishing third on three separate occasions.

Auckland City: The New Zealand side are Club World Cup regulars, and have won 12 National League titles in a row. But in a tough group, this will be little more than a nice trip.

Esperance de Tunis: The club transported 15,000 fans to the 2018 Club World Cup in the UAE. It's unlikely that so many will make the trek to the United States, but this is one of the biggest clubs in Africa - and will look to do the nation proud.

Wydad Casablanca: Complete with cool kits and an immaculate pedigree, Wydad are one of the more historic footballing entities in the tournament. Actually being competitive, though, might be another challenge altogether.

Ulsan HD FC: Winners of three straight K-League titles, the Korean side are hoping to make some noise at their second Club World Cup. They will look to turn things around after a rough start to the domestic season.

Al Ain: One of the youngest teams at the tournament, Al Ain hosted the Club World Cup in 2018.