2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Best Bets, Picks, Predictions

The revamped FIFA Club World Cup features 32 teams in the United States this summer all battling it out to be named world champions.

The expanded competition follows the format of the international World Cup with the teams split into eight groups of four with the top two from each section progressing to the last 16.

Spanish giants Real Madrid, who are the record five-times winners of the competition, are the favorites for glory again, but there are plenty of other contenders - particularly from across Europe - aiming for success over the next month.

Recent UEFA Champions League victors Paris Saint-Germain, Premier League duo Manchester City and Chelsea, and German champions Bayern Munich are all in the mix among 12 teams from Europe, while there are six representatives from South America, three MLS sides and even teams from South Africa, New Zealand and Egypt competing.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup betting picks and predictions

Real Madrid to win outright (+400)

Real Madrid will be aiming to make up for a disappointing domestic season by winning the new-look FIFA Club World Cup as new boss Xabi Alonso eyes immediate success with Los Blancos.

After finishing second in La Liga and as runners-up in both the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, Real will be seeking a record-extending sixth Club World Cup title and they clearly have a very capable squad jam-packed with world-class players.

Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo are among their star men, while they opted to pay a fee to ensure Trent Alexander-Arnold could complete his move from Liverpool in time to feature in the USA.

Following arduous campaigns back home, Premier League pair Manchester City and Chelsea could be be jaded as they approach the competition, while PSG, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Juventus have also not long finished their league seasons so they are unlikely to be raring to go.

It would be a surprise if the eventual winner did not come from Europe, although Brazilian quartet Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo may have other ideas, along with Argentina's representatives, Boca Juniors and River Plate.

However, Real are fancied to prevail. Alonso's side have been handed a favourable draw in the group stage with Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, Pachuca of Mexico and Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg completing Group H so the Spanish giants should be able to build early momentum which could lead to them being difficult to stop in the knockout stage.

Kylian Mbappe top goalscorer (+450)

If Real do go all the way this summer, then Kylian Mbappe is likely to play a key role in the tournament.

The France international comes into the FIFA Club World Cup in fine form with 12 goals in his last eight games for club and country and he finished the domestic season with a sensational 43 goals in 56 appearances in all competitions for Real.

Mbappe was the top goalscorer at the 2022 World Cup when he was on target eight times for France and he appeals to do it again at club level.

With Real facing what looks like straightforward tasks against Al-Hilal, Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg early on, Mbappe, favored to lead the tournament in goals, could help himself to a bagful of goals as he once again looks set to demonstrate his ability as one of the best frontmen on the globe.

River Plate to win Group E (+225)

River Plate are viewed as underdogs behind UEFA Champions League runners-up Inter Milan in Group E, but the Argentinian side could be good value to come out on top in the section.

The Nerazzurri must quickly get used to life after Simone Inzaghi and they could well experience a hangover from their humbling at the hands of PSG in the European showpiece final last month.

Experienced coach Marcelo Gallardo is in his second spell in charge of River Plate and they head into the FIFA Club World Cup on an 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Aside from Inter, the group shouldn't hold too many fears with Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds and Monterrey from Mexico unlikely to offer much resistance.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.