The 5 Teams That Could Surprise at the FIFA Club World Cup

The Super Mundial 2025, officially known as the FIFA Club World Cup, is set to be one of the most competitive and exciting tournaments in the history of club football. With an expanded and restructured format, the competition now brings together clubs from across the globe in an innovative setup, featuring more teams, balanced groups, and the potential for surprises in every single match.

European giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City enter the tournament as favorites, while clubs from other continents, such as the storied Brazilian sides Palmeiras and Flamengo, aim to underline the strength of South American football on the world stage. With iconic players like Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and emerging stars shining in other teams, this promises to be a historic competition packed with moments to remember. Kicking off in June 2025, the Super Mundial offers more than just matches—it’s a true celebration of everything that makes football the world’s game.

In this tournament, the clear favorites will naturally attract the spotlight. These are the clubs entering the competition knowing that anything short of reaching the final would be deemed a failure. Teams like Real Madrid, PSG, Inter Milan, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich have their sights firmly set on lifting the trophy.

At the same time, there are underdogs flying under the radar, teams capable of taking advantage of opportunities and pulling off surprises. Here is our updated list of key contenders heading into the tournament:

"Imposing Green" on the rise! Palmeiras is on the hunt for its first world title. While the challenge will be a tough one, they find themselves in a relatively manageable group. After a draw against Porto (0-0) and matches lined up against Al Ahly and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, Palmeiras has a realistic chance of advancing to the Round of 16 or even the quarterfinals with the right mindset.

Flamengo enters the Mundial with high hopes and strong momentum. Despite being placed in the same group as Chelsea, they are not expected to struggle in reaching the Round of 16. With determination, this team could even make it to the quarterfinals. Flamengo already opened their campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory against Tunisia’s Espérance.

The German powerhouse will face Fluminense in their group for the Club World Cup. As the 2024 Champions League runner-up, Dortmund retained its key players and is looking strong for the Super Mundial. With striker Guirassy leading the line and the electric pace of winger Adeyemi, Dortmund has the tools to push deep into the competition.

Atlético Madrid, under Argentine coach Diego Simeone, has strengthened its squad considerably this season. While the team has yet to secure a major trophy, the Mundial represents their best chance to avoid finishing the year empty-handed. With their eyes set on redemption, Atlético brings a fierce determination to the tournament.

Taking the top spot is Chelsea. Fresh off their victory in the Conference League, the Blues arrive brimming with confidence. With a young and talented squad, Chelsea sees the FIFA Club World Cup as an opportunity to make history, showcase their rising stars, and cement their place on the global stage. Count on them to deliver thrilling performances in their quest for glory.

Conclusion

The Super Mundial 2025 is not just about dominant favorites, but also about the unforgettable stories of teams overcoming the odds. In this high-stakes tournament, where every match matters, underdogs have the chance to shine and make history in unexpected ways.

Whether it’s a decisive goal scored in the dying minutes, a perfectly orchestrated team performance, or the emergence of a new star, surprises are the essence of football’s magic.

This year, the eyes of the world are fixed on both the traditional front-runners and those who could surprise us all, forever etching their names into football’s rich history.

What do you think... did we miss a potential dark horse? Share your thoughts in the comments!