As the Club World Cup 2025 approaches, the spotlight turns to five non-European teams that could challenge football’s elite. With European giants like Real Madrid, Chelsea, and PSG bringing their strongest squads due to increased prize money, the stage is set for a fierce competition. But the big question remains: Can non-European teams truly compete?
This article highlights five non-European clubs with the potential to make waves at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, offering a detailed look at their strengths, key players, and group-stage matchups.
1. Flamengo (Brazil)
Flamengo is leading Brazil’s Série A and performing strongly in the Copa Libertadores, making them Brazil’s top contender. With a deep squad, balanced in all positions, Flamengo combines experience and creativity. Giorgian de Arrascaeta, the Uruguayan midfielder, is a standout performer with 13 goal contributions in 9 league games.
Flamengo enters the Club World Cup 2025 in Group D alongside Chelsea, with realistic chances of progressing. Their recent form, including a 2-0 away win over Palmeiras, demonstrates their readiness to challenge top European teams.
2. Palmeiras (Brazil)
Palmeiras has been one of South America’s most consistent clubs under Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira since 2020. They have won two Copa Libertadores titles and back-to-back Brasileiro trophies. Even with significant player sales, including Endrick to Real Madrid, the squad remains strong.
Although 2025 has started slowly for Palmeiras, they possess the talent and system to emerge from Group A, where they will face Al Ahly, Inter Miami, and Porto. Their ability to grind out results makes them a threat in knockout stages.
3. Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Al Hilal, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has become a financial powerhouse. They have invested over $500 million in recent seasons, assembling a squad of global stars: Mitrovic, Malcom, Koulibaly, João Cancelo, Rúben Neves, and Bounou.
Despite their riches, Al Hilal’s form has been inconsistent. They lost the Saudi title to Al Ittihad and recently changed managers, appointing Simone Inzaghi. The Italian tactician arrives just weeks before the Club World Cup kicks off, making team cohesion a critical variable.
4. Al Ahly (Egypt)
Al Ahly is Africa’s most dominant club and brings a wealth of experience from past Club World Cups. Unlike the star-studded Al Hilal, Al Ahly focuses on discipline, defense, and consistent team performances. They have finished third in multiple editions of the previous tournament.
Their record speaks volumes:
- 2020: 3rd place (beat Palmeiras)
- 2021: 3rd place (beat Al Hilal 4-0)
- 2022: Semifinalist
- 2023: 3rd place
Their defensive strength is their key weapon, having kept eight clean sheets in 14 recent Club World Cup matches. Under new head coach Jose Riveiro, their institutional structure could continue to produce results against technically superior opponents.
5. Inter Miami (USA)
Inter Miami is one of the most talked-about clubs going into the tournament, primarily due to the presence of Lionel Messi. With Messi in the squad, anything is possible. His ability to produce magic in critical moments can elevate the team in Club World Cup 2025.
However, the squad around him lacks depth. Inter Miami’s defense is porous, and their midfield lacks structure. Their placement in Group A, with Palmeiras, Al Ahly, and Porto, makes qualification difficult. Still, with Messi, there’s always a chance of an upset.
Team Comparison Table:
| Club | Key Player | Region | Strengths | Weaknesses | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamengo | Giorgian de Arrascaeta | South America | Depth, Attack, Experience | Occasional inconsistency | Group D |
| Palmeiras | Raphael Veiga | South America | Tactical stability, Defense | Recent form below standard | Group A |
| Al Hilal | Aleksandar Mitrovic | Asia | Big-name players, High investment | Managerial instability | Group B |
| Al Ahly | Hussein El Shahat | Africa | Defense, Team discipline | Limited star power | Group A |
| Inter Miami | Lionel Messi | North America | World-class playmaker | Weak defense, Thin depth | Group A |
Conclusion The Club World Cup 2025 promises to be a historic tournament, with non-European teams like Flamengo, Palmeiras, Al Hilal, Al Ahly, and Inter Miami aiming to defy expectations. While European clubs dominate financially and technically, these five teams have the potential to pull off major upsets.
Whether through experience, star power, or tactical brilliance, these non-European contenders could define the narrative of the Club World Cup 2025. As kickoff nears, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see which of them can rise to the occasion.
Keyword Focus:
- Club World Cup 2025
- Non-European teams Club World Cup
- Flamengo Club World Cup
- Palmeiras FIFA Club World Cup
- Al Hilal 2025 tournament
- Al Ahly Club World Cup history
- Inter Miami Messi
- Club World Cup upsets
