Why Real Madrid Are Favourites To Win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA, like many other football organisations, has long sought to innovate in its competitions and rules. The latest to undergo significant change is the FIFA Club World Cup, which will see its first expanded edition in 2025. The tournament has grown from a small gathering of continental champions into a major global event, with 32 teams competing for the title of the world’s best club side.

With this new format comes fresh excitement — and among the 32 clubs confirmed for the 2025 edition, Real Madrid stand out as clear favourites to lift the trophy.

The New Format: A World Cup for Clubs

The restructured 2025 FIFA Club World Cup brings together 32 clubs from six different federations:

• UEFA (12 teams) – including Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG and others.

• CONMEBOL (6 teams) – featuring Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Botafogo.

• CAF (4 teams) – Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, Esperance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns.

• AFC (4 teams) – Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain, Ulsan HD.

• CONCACAF (5 teams, including hosts) – Monterrey, Seattle Sounders, Los Angeles FC, Pachuca, Inter Miami.

• OFC (1 team) – Auckland City.

Each team earned its place through success in continental competitions or based on consistent performances over the past four years.

Why Real Madrid Are Favourites

Unmatched pedigree on the world stage

Real Madrid are no strangers to international success. With five FIFA Club World Cup titles already, they have more experience and know-how than any other team in the competition. Their squad is built for the big occasion, and they thrive under pressure.

Star-studded squad with winning mentality

The Spanish giants boast a blend of world-class talent and youthful energy. Players like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, and new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold are top names to watch out for as the tournament gets underway in the United States. Add to that the leadership of new coach Xabi Alonso who arrives in a familiar territory hoping to make a mark.

Familiarity with tournament conditions

Unlike some clubs that will be adjusting to the format and global stage, Madrid have been here before. They know how to handle the travel, media attention, and expectations that come with representing Europe at this level.

A Trophy Madrid Will Target

The 2025 Club World Cup offers Madrid a chance to reaffirm their status as the kings of world football. While surprises can happen in football, Real Madrid’s history, quality, and mentality position them as the team to beat in the United States next summer.

If there is one safe prediction in football’s ever-unpredictable world, it’s that Real Madrid will be favourites — and very likely winners — of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.