Club World Cup: A US Showdown, Star Power, and a £1 Billion Prize

25 July 2025

The countdown is on for the biggest-ever FIFA Club World Cup, a spectacle featuring 32 teams and a staggering £1 billion in prize money. Famous clubs like Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, and Real Madrid are all heading to the USA, creating a buzz around this reimagined tournament. But as Felipe Cardenas explains, while fans are intrigued, the logistics and impact on an already packed football calendar are raising some questions.

A New Era: American Fans and the Learning Curve
For American sports fans, the timing of the tournament is ideal. It falls during a relatively quiet period in the domestic sporting calendar, avoiding direct competition with the NFL and offering a mid-season alternative to Major League Baseball. However, Cardenas notes a divide in how the tournament is being received. "The fans that are big soccer fans… they will be engaged," he says, pointing to the massive fanbases in the US for European giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City. These clubs already sell out massive stadiums for friendlies, so their presence guarantees a core audience.
The big question, however, is whether the "casual fan" will tune in. Cardenas believes there's a learning curve for the American public, who are more familiar with international football in the context of the World Cup. FIFA's efforts, including a month-long campaign led by president Gianni Infantino, have been focused on clarifying the concept: "it's a Club World Cup, it's not a country World Cup." Cardenas is confident that if the top teams perform and the knockout rounds deliver, fan interest will build.

MLS Teams: Home Advantage and Star-Struck Ambitions
This inaugural tournament features three MLS sides: Inter Miami, the Seattle Sounders, and Los Angeles FC (LAFC). Cardenas was on hand to witness LAFC's dramatic win over Mexican side Club America to secure their place, describing the atmosphere as electric. The victory felt like a "cup final" and was a moment of "raw emotion" for the players and coaching staff, demonstrating the significance of the tournament for these clubs.
When asked about the best MLS teams to represent the league, Cardenas acknowledges that while all three are big brands, Inter Miami's star power is undeniable. "You have Lionel Messi," he states, and while the team's tactics can sometimes boil down to a simple "pass the ball to Messi and see what happens," it's a strategy that has proven incredibly effective. He notes that Messi has been in sublime form recently, suggesting he may have been "saving himself for the summer." Cardenas predicts that Inter Miami has a "good shot" of progressing from their group, which would be a huge story for the MLS. Meanwhile, he tips LAFC to be the "surprise" package and notes that the Seattle Sounders will have a home advantage, but face a tough opening match against European champions, PSG.

The Stakes: European Dominance vs. Global Pride
A key point of intrigue for Cardenas is whether the European powerhouses will be fully committed to this tournament. While clubs from Asia, Africa, and South America are approaching it with immense pride, the top European teams are coming off a long, draining season. "Do they have the legs, the energy and the commitment to this tournament?" he asks.
The South American clubs, in particular, will be looking to "plant our flag" and prove they can compete with Europe's elite, a rivalry Cardenas describes as a "bit of a political and competitive battle." Their pride is at an all-time high, especially with Argentina's recent World Cup victory. He anticipates that the financial incentives from the £1 billion prize pot will be a major motivator, but it remains to be seen if clubs like Real Madrid and PSG will rotate their squads in the early rounds.

The Transfer Frenzy: A "Gun for Hire" Strategy?
The tournament has also created a unique transfer market situation. FIFA has opened a special transfer window that allows participating clubs to sign players and have them debut in the competition. This has led to speculation about a "gun for hire" strategy, where teams could bring in big names for a short period.
Cardenas reveals that this has already come to fruition with a high-profile signing. Real Madrid paid a reported £10 million to secure the services of Liverpool's Trent Alexander ahead of his contract's official end date, so he could play for his new club in the Club World Cup. Cardenas believes that if this trend continues to be a success, it could become a permanent feature of the tournament.

The Final Prediction: Cardenas' Top Picks
Putting him on the spot, Cardenas gives his final predictions for the tournament. He believes Inter Miami has the best chance of the three MLS teams to progress, thanks to Messi's genius.
As for the winner, he gives his top four:
PSG: "The top team in the world," who recently won the European Champions League with a convincing 5-0 victory.
River Plate: A surprise pick for many, but Cardenas believes the Argentinian side is stronger than their rivals, Boca Juniors, and will make a deep run.
Palmeiras: The Brazilian team, in Inter Miami's group, is a strong contender who he sees making it to the semi-finals.
Manchester City: Having failed to win the Premier League or Champions League, Cardenas expects City will be highly motivated to win this tournament and secure a major trophy for 2025.
To hear more of Felipe Cardenas' expert analysis on the Club World Cup, the MLS teams' chances, and his final predictions, make sure to listen to This Sporting Planet's podcast and watch the full interview on our YouTube channel.