Two billion-dollar questions loom over the upcoming 2025 Club World Cup. One — “Will the European clubs take it seriously?” — appears to already have an answer. Yes, they will. With massive prize money on the table, the continent’s elite clubs are expected to arrive with their A-listers in tow.
Which brings us to the tournament’s more intriguing question:
Can the rest of the world keep up?
This isn’t just a hypothetical. It cuts to the very heart of what this revamped Club World Cup is trying to be. If champions from South America, Asia, Africa, and North America can compete with the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea, then the tournament offers something the Champions League does not — a truly global, compelling competition.
But if the final rounds are just another European-only affair, the whole thing risks feeling like a watered-down Champions League knockoff — redundant, predictable, and largely irrelevant.
In other words, the future of this billion-dollar tournament may rest on the shoulders of clubs outside Europe. And here are five that could defy the odds — and shake up the status quo:
1. Flamengo (Brazil)
Flamengo, Brazil’s richest club and the current frontrunner in the country’s fiercely competitive Brasileirão, is arguably the most dangerous non-European contender.
After a slow start in the 2025 Copa Libertadores, the Rubro-Negro are surging — scoring 12 goals in their last four matches, including a statement 2–0 win over Palmeiras. With one of the deepest squads in South America, Flamengo boasts a spine of battle-tested defenders, accomplished midfielders, and a front line full of flair.
At the heart of it all is Giorgian de Arrascaeta, the Uruguayan maestro who has been dazzling Brazilian crowds for nearly a decade. Now 30, he’s having one of his best seasons yet — already registering 13 goal contributions in just nine league games.
With that form and firepower, Flamengo has the tools to trouble Chelsea in Group D, and perhaps go even further.
2. Palmeiras (Brazil)
While many teams arrive in the tournament amid flux, Palmeiras stands out for its stability. Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira has helmed the club since 2020, overseeing two Copa Libertadores titles and consecutive domestic championships. For three straight seasons, they’ve posted the best expected goal differential in Brazil.
As is common for elite South American clubs, Palmeiras has seen some top talents depart — Endrick to Real Madrid, Danilo to Nottingham Forest, and others to Europe. But they’ve retooled wisely, recruiting rising stars from across the continent and beyond.
Although they’ve yet to hit top gear in 2025, the foundation is strong. With tactical cohesion and a balanced squad, Palmeiras could well top Group A — and make a deep Club World Cup run.
3. Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
About that earlier mention of “wealthier” European clubs? It doesn’t apply here. Al Hilal is backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and has spent over $500 million assembling a super squad.
Their roster reads like a European all-star alumni list:
- Yassine Bounou (goalkeeper, Morocco)
- Kalidou Koulibaly, João Cancelo, Renan Lodi (defenders)
- Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinković-Savić (midfielders)
- Malcom, Aleksandar Mitrović (forwards)
On paper, it’s a squad built to challenge anyone. But on the pitch, cohesion has been a mixed bag. Despite an unbeaten 2023–24 season, cracks appeared in 2025 — they surrendered the league title to Al Ittihad and dismissed manager Jorge Jesus. In a bold move, they lured Simone Inzaghi from Inter Milan just days after the Champions League final, reportedly offering over $29 million per year.
The big question: Can Inzaghi implement his vision in time? If he does, Al Hilal could be the most dangerous team outside Europe. If not, it could all fall apart.
4. Al Ahly (Egypt)
If Al Hilal is glitzy and unpredictable, Al Ahly is consistent and quietly effective. Africa’s most decorated modern club may lack star names and financial muscle, but it boasts something just as valuable: a winning culture.
In the past five years, Al Ahly has claimed four CAF Champions League titles and repeatedly punched above its weight in the previous Club World Cup format:
- 2020: Beat Al-Duhail, lost to Bayern Munich, beat Palmeiras for third
- 2021: Beat Monterrey, lost to Palmeiras, thrashed Al Hilal 4–0
- 2022: Beat Auckland City and Seattle, lost to Real Madrid
- 2023: Beat Al Ittihad, lost to Fluminense, beat Urawa Reds
- 2024: Beat Al Ain, lost to Pachuca on penalties
Their success is rooted in organizational strength, not just coaching — although their new manager, Jose Riveiro, took over barely two weeks ago. Al Ahly might not be title favorites, but they’re a nightmare draw — especially for Group A rivals like Palmeiras, Porto, and Inter Miami.
5. Inter Miami (USA)
Let’s be clear: Inter Miami is not on this list for tactical brilliance or squad depth. They’re here for one reason — Lionel Messi.
Even at 37, Messi can still turn matches on their head. He showed that at the 2022 World Cup, and again with flashes of brilliance in MLS and CONCACAF competitions.
But beyond Messi — and maybe a few of his veteran pals — this Miami squad has flaws. Their defense leaks goals. Their midfield often lacks control. And as is common in MLS, the roster is top-heavy, with depth dropping off steeply.
Still, in a one-off match, Messi can deliver magic. That makes Inter Miami dangerous — not as a favorite, but as a wildcard.
Conclusion
The expanded Club World Cup is a high-stakes gamble for FIFA. Its success hinges not just on star power, but on competition. If clubs like Flamengo, Al Hilal, and Al Ahly can push the European elite to the brink — or even beat them — the tournament will earn its place on the global calendar.
But if not? It risks becoming just another stage for Europe’s elite.
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