Group A: Al-Ahly, Inter Miami, Palmeiras, FC Porto
Palmeiras is considered the weakest team in the group, having a hard time advancing. Meanwhile, with Barcelona's former stars, led by Lionel Messi, Inter Miami is expected to not disappoint home fans. Last season was an unsuccessful campaign for M10 and his teammates and this is an opportunity for them to regain their form.
For Porto, they also need this tournament to appease the defeat in Primeira Liga last season. As for Al-Ahly, when the tournament was still in the annual format, they have finished 3rd 4 times in this decade.
Group B: Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, PSG, Seattle
This is a group with the participation of European, North American and South American champions. This can be considered the death table in this tournament.
Although not a European champion, Atletico Madrid have never been considered a weak team. They and PSG will create a fiery match in this group. Although considered weaker, Seattle and Botafogo can still make a surprise.
Group C: Auckland City, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Boca juniors
Bayern and Benfica were former European champions, with extensive experience and dominance in the old continent. Meanwhile, Boca juniors are a force in South America, always a symbol of Argentine football.
The team that is considered the weakest in this group is Auckland City, but with a good physical and physique foundation, the Atlantic representative could create an earthquake in this group.
Group D: Chelsea, ES Tunis, Flamengo, LAFC
ES Tunis and LAFC are considered much weaker than the other two opponents, making it difficult to create a surprise. LAFC's participation was only confirmed on June 1, when they defeated Club America in the play-off match to determine the final team to participate in this year's FIFA Club World Cup.
Meanwhile, ES Tunis is just an African representative, when placed next to Flamengo, a force in Brazil and Chelsea, the Vietnamese representative has almost no chance,
Just like last season's Conference League, Chelsea are considered the strongest team in the group. If they have some difficulties, they will only face Flamengo.
Group E: Inter Milan, Monterrey, River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds
Inter are eligible to participate based on UEFA's scoring method in the 2021-2024 period. River also has similar rights based on CONMEBOL's scoring method. Meanwhile, the appearance of Monterrey and Urawa Red came from the 2021 Concacaf Champions League and 2023 Asian Champions League titles.
In terms of strength, Inter Milan is still number 1, followed by River Plate. However, we should not be subjective towards the other two representatives because these are all teams that are built very methodically and of high class in the continental playground.
Group F: Dortmund, Fluminense, Sundowns, Ulsan Hyundai
In terms of name, BVB is the team with the highest rating. However, their performance in the Bundesliga last season was too poor, leading to a surprise for Group F.
Fluminense is a Brazil team with many achievements with 42 major titles in history. The victory at Copa Libertador in 2023 helped them qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Meanwhile, Sundowns have just won the South African championship for the 8th consecutive year. As for Ulsan, they have had a series of 3 recent Korean championships.
Group G: Al-Ain, Juventus, Man City, Wydad AC
Group G is probably just a competition to determine the leading position of Juventus and Man City. Last season, Man City played very poorly in the arenas and were left empty-handed. They also lost to Juventus in the Champions League qualifying round. Therefore, this is an opportunity for Pep Guardiola and his team to show their gratitude.
Group H: Al-Hilal, Pachuca, Real Madrid, RB Salzburg
This is considered the most attractive group with the appearance of the team that dominated the history of the Champions League and the power that has dominated the Saudi Pro League in recent seasons. The match between Real Madrid and Al-Hilal will give fans the first opportunity to witness the gap in the strength of a top European team compared to a team that is trying to exploit the talents in this continent.
However, Salzburg cannot be underestimated, they can create a surprise when they have the strength and also participate in the Champions League in recent seasons.
The FIFA Club World Cup takes place from June 15 to July 14, broadcast live on FPT Play.
