The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup draw revealed exciting matchups, with Real Madrid getting a favorable group, PSG facing tough competition, and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami set for an unexpected challenge. Chelsea also has a strong chance to go far, while Auckland City faces a tough road ahead.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup draw, held on Thursday in Miami, has set the stage for a thrilling tournament next June. The draw revealed the first-round matchups for 32 teams, bringing together some of football's biggest clubs. Teams from Europe, South America, Africa, and beyond will compete for the prestigious title, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and European heavyweights among the top contenders.
Real Madrid emerged as one of the clear winners, landing in a manageable group. Despite facing Al-Hilal and Pachuca, both formidable teams, Madrid was spared a difficult encounter with Red Bull Salzburg, which many had hoped to avoid. Their path to the knockout stages looks promising, with the relatively weaker Salzburg offering a less daunting challenge.
For Paris Saint-Germain, however, the draw was a setback. PSG, already struggling in domestic competition, faces a tough challenge with Atletico Madrid in their group. To make matters worse, they were also paired with Botafogo, the newly crowned Copa Libertadores champions. PSG will need to perform at their best to avoid a disastrous group-stage exit, a prospect that would be a major embarrassment for the French giants.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami was fortunate in the draw, avoiding the tournament's heavy hitters. Placed in Group A, alongside Palmeiras, Porto, and Al Ahly, Messi's side now has a legitimate chance to advance to the knockout stages—a stark contrast to their earlier struggles in the MLS Cup. This draw gives the Argentine superstar an unexpected opportunity to make a mark on the global stage before potentially winding down his career.
Auckland City, however, found themselves in a daunting group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors. Though their participation in the tournament provides a valuable opportunity for exposure, they face an uphill battle and could suffer heavy defeats, especially after their recent struggles in international competitions.
Chelsea found themselves in a favorable group with Flamengo, Club Leon, and Esperance Sportive de Tunisie. With a more settled squad and mounting confidence under manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are poised to challenge for top honors in the tournament. Their well-balanced team, led by young talents like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo, could pose a serious threat to their opponents as they aim to improve on their previous international campaigns.
While the draw brought excitement, some neutral fans were disappointed by the lack of a 'Group of Death' and the absence of high-profile encounters between Europe’s elite and Messi’s Inter Miami.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on whether the traditional powers can live up to their reputations, or if the underdogs can defy the odds and make a deep run.
