Club World Cup 2025: PSG Reclaim Lead, Chelsea Boosted

Club World Cup 2025 group stage may be finished, but the drama is only just beginning. Sixteen sides remain in the race for global supremacy in New Jersey, and the balance of power has shifted again after a frenetic final round of matches.

Club World Cup 2025 power rankings explained

The rankings below blend current form, squad depth and projected knockout paths. Points gained, goals scored and injuries were all factored in to establish an up-to-date hierarchy heading into the round of 16.

Favourites: PSG set the pace

Paris Saint-Germain reclaim top spot after dismantling Palmeiras to seal first place in their group. Luis Enrique’s side finally look balanced: the high press works, the midfield offers control and Kylian Mbappé is playing with a smile. If the star forward maintains this level, no defence left in the Club World Cup 2025 field can live with him.

Real Madrid and Manchester City in hot pursuit

Real Madrid rarely miss a beat in tournament football. Jude Bellingham’s late winner against Fluminense underlined their knack for timely goals. Manchester City, meanwhile, topped the possession charts and appear to have learned lessons from last year’s semi-final slip. Pep Guardiola’s men still need Erling Haaland fully fit, but their quadrant of the bracket looks manageable.

Dark horses: Chelsea thrive after kind draw

Few teams benefited more from the draw than Chelsea. Avoiding the European heavyweights until a potential semi-final gives Mauricio Pochettino’s youthful squad precious time to grow. The Blues are stingy at the back, and the emergence of Cole Palmer as a creative hub has lifted confidence.

Brazilian quartet bring South American fire

Palmeiras, Botafogo, Flamengo and Fluminense all progressed, showcasing Brazil’s depth. Flamengo’s high-tempo pressing troubled Bayern in the group phase, while Botafogo’s veteran spine continues to surprise. Expect at least one of these sides to reach the last four, especially with derby-like intensity neutralising perceived European superiority.

Outside shots and dreamers

Bayern Munich remain dangerous despite an inconsistent group campaign, but defensive lapses push them down the standings. Juventus and Borussia Dortmund look solid rather than spectacular, yet their tactical discipline keeps them alive. Benfica, Monterrey and Al-Hilal will hope to grind out results and capitalise on any complacency.

Inter Miami keep home hopes alive

Inter Miami’s 5-2 “bloodbath” victory over Juventus sent a statement: Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez can still bully elite opposition. Home-field buzz across the United States makes the MLS champions everyone’s favourite underdog, though a last-16 showdown with Manchester City is a brutal test.

Road to MetLife Stadium: key knockout ties

• PSG vs Benfica: A clash of styles. If the Parisians break Benfica’s compact mid-block early, it could get ugly.
• Real Madrid vs Botafogo: The Spanish giants must match Brazilian physicality. Luka Modrić’s control versus Tchê Tchê’s energy will be decisive.
• Chelsea vs Monterrey: The Liga MX side love set pieces; Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill must dominate aerial duels.
• Manchester City vs Inter Miami: Messi up against his old manager Guardiola is pure box office. Can City’s press smother Inter’s romantic dream?

Every club still alive believes it has spotted a path to the July 13 final, yet the data suggests the eventual winner will need to average over 61% possession and concede fewer than one goal per game—benchmarks currently met only by PSG and Madrid.

Opinion: Expect fireworks from the quarter-finals

The expanded format has critics, but it has also delivered variety and unpredictability. When the Club World Cup 2025 reaches the last eight, tactical nuance will collide with moments of individual magic. My pick? PSG edge City in a sublime semi-final before meeting Chelsea, whose soft side of the bracket they exploit. Still, Messi loves a good script. If Inter Miami stun City, the MetLife Stadium could host the most romantic final club football has ever seen.