GOAL looks at the tiers of teams in the 2025 Club World Cup, asking who might win it all and who is just happy to be here?
With the European season finally coming to a close, attention turns directly to the Club World Cup, FIFA's shiny new fun competition, soon to be played out in the U.S. summer sun.
But with 32 teams hailing from all over the world, it can be chaotic to summarize it all. How can you piece together RB Slazburg, HD Ulsan and Real Madrid? What is the through line among them? And what are the vibes to be found? Sure, there are three or four clear favorites, but outside of them, it gets a bit tricky.
And there's a good mix here, from obvious favorites to legacy clubs, to a few teams who might just be happy to be picking up a paycheck and selling a few jerseys on a summer tour.
The Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. There are 32 teams in the expanded field. it's time to ask: Who's here to win it? Who's here for the money? Who's here for holiday? Who's got a lot to lose but not much to win?
GOAL US breaks it all down in the 2025 Club World Cup Tier Rankings.
AFPTier: Clear Favorites
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.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTier: Outsiders Looking In
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.
Getty ImagesTier: Here For The Money
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 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.
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowGettyTier: A Lot To Lose, Not Much To Win
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.