The revamped Club World Cup is here, presenting a compelling array of factors to observe as the tournament gets underway.
This expanded competition, hosted in the U.S., features a diverse lineup of 32 teams. While the core goal for every side is to advance as far as possible, the specific narratives and points of interest for each participant vary widely. For the qualified European giants, such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Inter, the ultimate trophy is firmly in their sights, especially as they may see this as an opportunity following their results in recent domestic or continental campaigns.
Beyond the traditional powerhouses, the 22 teams from outside Europe appear eager to make their mark. This tournament offers them a significant platform to demonstrate their capabilities and reflect the quality of their respective leagues and regions. Participants include three MLS teams – Inter Miami, the Seattle Sounders, and LAFC – along with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Al-Hilal notably appointed former Inter manager Simone Inzaghi but did not secure a high-profile player signing specifically for this tournament, despite their attempts.
Ahead of the Club World Cup`s opening match, here`s an overview of the picks and predictions from the CBS Sports team.
Club World Cup Picks
| Category | James Benge | Chuck Booth | Pardeep Cattry | Francesco Porzio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club World Cup winner | PSG | Manchester City | PSG | Real Madrid |
| Biggest surprise team | Palmeiras | Urawa Red Diamonds | River Plate | River Plate |
| Biggest disappointment | Inter Miami | Inter Miami | Al-Hilal | Al-Hilal |
| Top Scorer | Erling Haaland, Man City (6 goals) | Erling Haaland, Man City (7 goals) | Erling Haaland, Man City (7 goals) | Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid (7 goals) |
| Player of the tournament | Vitinha (PSG) | Rayan Cherki (Man City) | Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) | Franco Mastantuono (River Plate) |
| Player who earns a big move | Vitor Roque (Palmeiras) | Richard Rios (Palmeiras) | Jamie Gittens (Dortmund) | Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus) |
Title Winner — Real Madrid
by James Benge
Quite simply, Real Madrid is considered the strongest team participating. With certain major European clubs absent, few teams are realistically expected to challenge them closely. While some competitors have recently made significant transfer moves, PSG, for instance, seems confident in their existing squad`s strength.
Biggest Surprise Team — Palmeiras
By Francesco Porzio
According to Francesco Porzio, Palmeiras could be the biggest surprise. [Based on the text provided under this heading]: Franco Mastantuono, seen as a potential world-class player reportedly joining Real Madrid after the tournament, is highlighted. The experience of coach Marcelo Gallardo is also noted as a factor that could help lead a talented squad through the competition.
Biggest Disappointment — Inter Miami
by Chuck Booth
Chuck Booth predicts Inter Miami will be the biggest disappointment. He points to Miami`s known difficulties in knockout formats. This tournament, he believes, will highlight the gap between MLS and global competition. Despite potentially having a top player, he argues the team`s depth, typical of a salary-cap league, will be insufficient, leading to an exit in the group stage.
Top Scorer — Erling Haaland (Man City)
by Pardeep Cattry
Pardeep Cattry picks Erling Haaland of Man City as the top scorer. Cattry notes Haaland`s return to full fitness after an early spring ankle injury, highlighting his seven appearances since May 2nd and goals in his last three matches. He anticipates Haaland will carry this scoring form into the Club World Cup, continuing his prolific goal-scoring rate.
Player of the Tournament — Vitinha (PSG)
by James Benge
James Benge selects Vitinha from PSG as the player of the tournament. Benge suggests that in the hot conditions of an American summer, players capable of controlling the game`s tempo will be key, and he identifies Vitinha as one of the world`s best in this regard.
Player Who Earns a Big Move — Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
by Francesco Porzio
Francesco Porzio predicts Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus is a player who could earn a big transfer move. With reports suggesting Vlahovic might leave the Italian club in summer 2025 (his contract runs until 2026), the Club World Cup presents an opportunity for him to demonstrate his value to a global audience and justify the significant fee Juventus paid for him in 2022.
