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The Club World Cup begins this weekend, but what’s it all about? Here’s Bet9ja’s quick-fire guide to the global tournament.
What is the Club World Cup?
The FIFA Club World Cup is revamped, and it’s bigger than ever. For the first time, the tournament will feature 32 clubs from around the globe in a month-long competition. Kicking off on June 14 and running until July 13, this is football’s most ambitious attempt yet at crowning the world’s top club side.
When and where is the Club World Cup being held?
The tournament kicks off on 14 June 2025 and runs until 13 July 2025. It’s hosted across 12 stadiums in 11 cities throughout the United States.The opening match sees Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami take on Egyptian giants Al Ahly in Miami, while the final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – the same venue set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
How is the 2025 Club World Cup different from previous editions?
This year’s tournament is not just an expansion – it’s a complete reset. Previous editions featured just seven teams in a short knockout competition. The 2025 version introduces a full-scale, 32-team format split into eight groups of four, making it the biggest Club World Cup ever staged.It’s a fresh start, a new trophy, and a brand-new era for global club football.
How does the Club World Cup format work?
The 32 qualified teams are divided into eight groups (Groups A to H), each containing four clubs.Each team plays three group matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the round of 16. From there, it’s straight knockout football through to the final.
How can I watch the 2025 Club World Cup?
In Nigeria, fans can follow all the action live on SuperSport.
Who are the favourites on Bet9ja to win the 2025 Club World Cup?
Real Madrid (4.90)
Group H, with Al-Hilal, Pachuca, RB Salzburg
Real Madrid enter the tournament with serious firepower and high expectations. New head coach Xabi Alonso has inherited a squad stacked with elite talent, including European Golden Shoe winner Kylian Mbappé and the ever-electric Vinícius Jr. After a quieter domestic season by their standards, Madrid will be looking to reassert their dominance on the global stage
Manchester City (5.75)
Group G, with Al Ain, Juventus, Wydad AC
Pep Guardiola’s side may have missed out on silverware last season, but they remain one of the most feared teams in the world. City’s possession game, squad depth, and tactical flexibility make them a nightmare to face. With new signings incoming and a favourable group, they could go all the way in the USA.
Paris Saint-Germain (5.75)
Group B, with Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders
Fresh off a historic Champions League triumph, PSG are arguably the most in-form team heading into this tournament. Luis Enrique’s front line of Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been electric, and their Champions League run showed they can now deliver when it matters.
Bayern Munich (7.75)
Group C, with Auckland City, Benfica and Boca Juniors
Vincent Kompany’s first major test comes in the USA, and he’ll be relying on Harry Kane to continue his red-hot scoring form after finally getting his hands on a major trophy. With a relatively smooth group stage path and knockout experience, Bayern are serious contenders.
Chelsea (10.00)
Group D, with ES Tunis, Flamengo and Leon.
Don’t sleep on Chelsea. After a strong Premier League finish and impressive Conference League run, the Blues are looking sharp. Cole Palmer has emerged as a leader, and with new signings expected this summer, they’re a dark horse worth watching in a soft-looking Group D.
Inter Milan (14.00)
Group C, with Monterrey, River Plate, Urawa Reds
Inter ended last season in disappointment, but their squad remains one of the most complete in Europe. They may have lost Simone Inzaghi and have a new manager in Christian Chivu – but with the dangerous pairing of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thurmas leading the line they are a threat. With a generous group draw, they have a clear route to the last 16 – and if they click, they’ll be hard to stop.
Back your favourites, predict the shocks, and bet on every match of the 2025 Club World Cup now with Bet9ja! Get involved here.
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