2025 FIFA CWC: Madrid, City, others, see strength to strength

The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will bring together 32 elite teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City from across the globe. This unique tournament to be held in United States of America, highlights the diversity of football styles and tactics. Here’s a detailed look at the strengths and weaknesses of some notable participating clubs in the upcoming edition of the competition.

Real Madrid (Spain)

Real Madrid have a strong pedigree for such tournament, with experienced squad features of Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and established leaders like Luka Modrić. Their ability to win in pressure situations cannot be unrivalled. On the other hand, the Los Blancos have a probable aging defensive line, coupled with injuries which might struggle against youthful, high-tempo opponents. Dependency on moments of individual brilliance sometimes limits tactical flexibility.

Manchester City (England)

Known for their exceptional depth and tactical innovation under Pep Guardiola, City is powered by Erling Haaland’s prolific goal-scoring and Kevin De Bruyne’s creative brilliance. Their controlled possession game dominates opponents. Despite their strengths, fixture congestion and physical fatigue from competing in multiple tournaments could pose challenges. Counter-attacks from dynamic teams might exploit occasional defensive errors.

Chelsea (England)

After a long run of poor performances under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea boasts a young, dynamic team with attackers like Nicholas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku and midfield talents such as Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández. Their physicality and pressing intensity is an added advantage. However, the team’s pattern of playing is still a work in progress, and inconsistencies in converting chances have cost them in crucial moments.

Bayern Munich (Germany)

Bayern is a tactically disciplined and loaded with with stars like Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Joshua kimmich. Their combination of solid defense with the brilliance of Manuel Neuer and attacking power make them a good contender in the competition. However, they still some weaknesses in their midfield which could be seen when playing opposition teams with stronger defensive set up.

Paris Saint-Germain (France)

PSG’s attacking, now featuring Ousmane Dembele and rising stars like Bradley Barcola, ensures they are always dangerous in transition. Their individual quality can dismantle even the best defenses. On the other hand, Luis Enrique side suffer from shaky defenses and a midfield that struggles against intense pressing opposition teams remain their Achilles’ heel in big games.

Palmeiras (Brazil)

Strengths: As perennial Copa Libertadores contenders, Palmeiras offers a balanced mix of youth and experience. Their cohesive playing style emphasizes high pressing and quick transitions. Although they have shown superiority in South America, their defensive structure may struggle to contain Europe’s best attackers.

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Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

Al Hilal features signings like Sergej Milinković-Savić. Their tactical creativity and individual brilliance give them a fighting chance against any team. Although they show a strong defensive outline in the Saudi Pro League, their defensive cohesion remains a concern, and they could struggle to maintain intensity going further in the tournament.

Auckland City (New Zealand)

The only club representing the Oceania Football Confederation in the expanded FIFA CWC tournament, Auckland City is disciplined and compact, known for their teamwork and defensive resilience, but could lack the technical quality and speed of higher-ranked teams, making it tough to compete against more experienced clubs.

Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

Strengths: Known for their high-intensity play and organized pressing, Urawa Red Diamonds carry Japan’s tactical hallmark of discipline and work rate. Despite strong teamwork, their lack of individual star power might hinder them in matches against elite European or South American squads.

Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

One of Africa’s powerhouse has strong defensive organization and an ability to execute counter-attacks effectively, with players like Cassius Mailula and Mohamed Rayhi pulling the strings. While they have a good record of dominating possessions in the CAF Champions League, they may struggle with the pace and technical superiority of European sides.

Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

Dortmund’s showcases an exciting mix of youth and experience which ensures high energy, with players like Julian Brandt and Serhou Guirassy leading the charge. Regardless, Dortmund often suffer from defensive inconsistencies and susceptibility to losing momentum in tight matches, which remains a concern.

Al Ahly (Egypt)

Another of Africa’s powerhouse in club football has made it to the first edition of the expanded FIFA CWC. The record-breaking CAF Champions League winners rely on structured football and clinical finishing, led by players like Wessam Abou Ali. While they may have the experience and strength on the continental stages, they lack the squad depth and speed of top European clubs.

Inter Miami (USA)

The Host club of this expanded FIFA CWC competition. With Lionel Messi as their captain and talisman coupled with good finishers like Luiz Suarez, Inter Miami boasts game-changing talent. Their progress in MLS demonstrates their growing tactical cohesion and it is something that fans are willing to see in this tournament. Regardless of the legendary names that they have on their squad, Inter Miami have a limited experience at this level of club football and could see them fail against stronger opponents going further in the competition.

Conclusion

The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will feature different football playing patterns, showing tactical discipline against individual brilliance. While European giants like Manchester City and Real Madrid remain favorites, the tournament’s expanded format opens doors for surprises from teams like Flamengo, Al Hilal, Auckland City or Mamelodi Sundowns which was not discussed above. Success will eventually depend on tactical adaptability, squad depth, and key players showing their talents immensely in winning matches and maintaining solid defending.