3 Dark Horses That Could Win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

For this FIFA Club World Cup, Some Teams Could Make a Big Impact

· Jun 12 - 4 minutes read

These Teams Might Surprise You

The FIFA Club World Cup will see 32 teams from the six global confederations compete for the ultimate title. And while soccer odds already favor the usual suspects — particularly European giants Manchester City, PSG, and Real Madrid — it’s the potential dark horses that could shape the tournament’s drama. Here are three underdogs worth keeping an eye on:

3 Dark Horses That Could Win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup — Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami/David Berding/Getty Images/AFP

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Al Hilal

The Saudi Pro League has drawn soccer news headlines for its star-studded signings and massive transfer fees. But beneath the spotlight on money lies a competitive league. And Al Hilal is its crown jewel.

Champions of Asia in 2021, Al Hilal may have fallen short in the 2024–25 domestic season, but their pedigree is unmatched in Saudi Arabia. With 69 official titles — including a record 19 league championships — they are the most decorated club in the country’s history.

Their current squad wouldn’t look out of place in the UEFA Champions League. Yassine Bounou, Kalidou Koulibaly, João Cancelo, Rúben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom, and Aleksandar Mitrovic bring European experience and international quality. Leading them is Simone Inzaghi, fresh off a successful run with Inter Milan. While his last season didn’t yield silverware, Inzaghi is tactically sharp and known for managing big personalities.

Our preparations are underway 🔋
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— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) June 12, 2025

Al Hilal’s group-stage draw is favorable. Real Madrid — still adjusting to a new manager after a turbulent season — is the main threat. Pachuca and RB Salzburg are tough but manageable. With this level of talent and leadership, Al Hilal could go further than many expect.

River Plate

River Plate may not make anyone’s top three FIFA Club World Cup Picks for the title, especially after failing to win the Argentine league last season, but their international record speaks volumes. Named by FIFA as the ninth-best club of the 20th century, River is no stranger to global competition.

Their young star Franco Mastantuono, already signed by Real Madrid for €60 million, will feature in this tournament before making the jump. Expectations are high that he’ll deliver a memorable farewell performance.

En efecto 💎🎬 pic.twitter.com/zFGUvXSaV6

— River Plate (@RiverPlate) April 27, 2025

According to Opta Analyst, River Plate has a 48.9% chance of reaching the round of 16 and a 19.7% chance of making the quarterfinals — no small feat considering their group includes Inter, Monterrey, and Urawa Red Diamonds. Experience and a solid tactical base could carry them further than predicted.

Inter Miami

No team brings more star power to this tournament than Inter Miami. Lionel Messi headlines a roster that includes former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez. Yes, their prime years are behind them — but that’s exactly what makes this campaign so meaningful.

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— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 12, 2025

This could be their final shot at lifting a major international trophy together. Cristiano Ronaldo showed at 40 that age doesn’t disqualify greatness, leading Portugal to a UEFA Nations League title. Lionel Messi’s stats show he is still sharp, with 6 goals and 4 assists this season, and remains capable of turning games on his own. Rumors suggest he’ll return for one last World Cup in 2026 with Argentina, making this Club World Cup a crucial warm-up.

Their path won’t be easy. Porto will be the main threat, while Palmeiras and Al Ahly pose serious challenges as well. However, their biggest obstacle may come from within, Manager Javier Mascherano. Although a respected former player, he lacks significant coaching experience, which could prove costly at this level.

Every Minute Counts

The FIFA Club World Cup will be an interesting tournament where every minute counts and the slightest mistake can cost clubs dearly. The group stage will be handled with care, but it will let us see who means business. While Europe’s elite steal the spotlight from FIFA Club World Cup Teams, history shows that soccer is fertile ground for surprises. Al Hilal, River Plate, and Inter Miami each bring unique strengths—be it talent, history, or star power—and could make deeper runs than expected. Keep an eye on them. The underdog stories might just steal the show.