The world’s top teams set their sights on the FIFA Club World Cup

Just when you think the season’s over, there’s more to come. After the end of the leagues, the Champions League final, and the World Cup qualifiers — including Belgium’s game in North Macedonia — the 2024–2025 football season continues, seemingly without end.

For the 21st edition of the Club World Cup, FIFA has decided to innovate by inviting 32 teams instead of the usual 7. Like the traditional World Cup, these 32 clubs will gather in one host country — in this case, the United States — for a month-long event. They are divided into 8 groups of 4.

Twelve European teams, six South American, four African, four Asian, four North American and one from Oceania will compete to lift the trophy in New York on July 13. Take a look at the first-day matchups to place your best bets on GoldenVegas Sport.

PSG vs Atletico: A titanic clash featuring a Red Devil

Paris Saint-Germain have achieved the dream of a lifetime. After more than a decade of chasing the title, they finally lifted the Champions League trophy. "I think when we first arrived, no one believed we could get this far. We’ve struggled, we’ve suffered for 12 years. This title is for us, we’re bringing it home — I’m so happy! I have no strength left, I gave everything," exclaimed Marquinhos.

But the European champions’ captain will need to dig deep once again to help the French side make their mark in this Club World Cup. And for Luis Enrique, there’s no room for relaxation or treating this tournament like an early vacation. "I approach every competition with the same goal: to put us in a position to win it. So our ambition in this Club World Cup must be to go as far as possible. Our only objective must be to go all the way," warned the Spanish coach.

In their first match, they’ll face a team from Enrique’s home country: Atletico Madrid. And the Colchoneros arrive in the U.S. with good news in their ranks — Antoine Griezmann has extended his contract until 2027, despite strong rumors linking him to MLS. Also included in Diego Simeone’s squad is Axel Witsel, whose contract ends on June 30. What better way for the Red Devil to sign off than with a high-profile victory?

Without Inzaghi, how will Inter Milan bounce back?

Two weeks after losing one of the most one-sided Champions League finals, Inter Milan must dive straight back into action against Monterrey — a Mexican side that, on paper, seems well within their reach. “It was a night where nothing we had prepared came off. Now we have to pick ourselves back up, as we should. We had a good season, even if we didn’t win any titles. There’s frustration, and a desire to start from scratch,” said Lautaro Martinez.

That’s exactly what will happen. Coach Simone Inzaghi has resigned to take over at Al-Hilal, who offered him €26 million net per year. With a group that also includes Urawa (Japan) and River Plate (Argentina), the Italians still have a real chance to bounce back — and perhaps face Inzaghi again later in the competition.

Kevin De Bruyne turns down a final dance with City

Knocked out in the Round of 16 by Real Madrid, Manchester City endured a painful season right to the end, finishing only third in the Premier League. Guardiola's men also lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.

A trophyless season that left a bitter taste for Manchester City. Needless to say, they’ll be fully committed in this Club World Cup. The draw has been relatively kind to them — they’ll face Juventus, along with Wydad Casablanca and Al-Ain, two sides not seen as major threats.

Against the Moroccans, the English will look to control the game and avoid any surprises. But they’ll have to do so without Kevin De Bruyne. Out of contract on June 30, the Red Devil has chosen not to take any risks — unlike Axel Witsel. "It doesn’t make sense. In a way, I have to look after myself, because if I get injured at the Club World Cup, then what? No one’s going to take care of me," he explained. There will be no last dance for him. A pity for football, but a decision that’s entirely understandable.

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