The Club World Cup is more than just a tournament – it is a historic occasion earmarking an adventurous new chapter in global club soccer.
For players and teams, it is a unique opportunity at global glory and continental pridefulness.
The action returns once again this Friday, as teams look to confirm their place in the knockout stages of this prestigious tournament.
Here, Sport Preview’s Ethan Pitts tips up some selections for some of Friday’s fixtures, as the group stage enters its halfway point.
Flamengo vs Chelsea: Both teams to score – 10/11 (bet365)
In the 2024-25 season, Chelsea became the first soccer franchise to win all five major UEFA men’s club competitions – by defeating Real Betis 4-1 in the Conference League final held in Wrocław on May 28, 2025.
The Blues came into the Club World Cup in a rich vein of form, and this continued as they narrowly defeated Los Angeles FC in a 2-0 win at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
However, Flamengo are far from a pushover and are a great outsider within this competition.
The Brazilian champions have scored in nine out of their last 10 matches, including two in their opening Club World Cup match against Esparence Tunis.
Likewise with Flamengo, Chelsea also have a staggering attacking record – scoring in 12 out of their last 13 matches in all competitions, including in their Club World Cup opener against Los Angeles FC.
For these reasons, taking both teams to score come Friday evening is very appealing at the odds provided.
READ MORE: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 betting guide: Full fixture list, venues and kick-off times
Enzo Fernandez to have 1 shot-on-target – 7/4 (bet365)
The 2024/2025 season marked a more vibrant chapter in Enzo Fernández’s Chelsea career so far, with the Argentine international evolving into one of the Premier League’s top midfield talents.
Fernandez took on a more prominent leadership role this season, as he led Chelsea to a successful campaign both domestically and globally.
Despite being deployed in a deeper midfield position this season, Fernandez has established himself as an elite box-crasher – as well as always being a threat from distance.
These assertions are anchored by his goalscoring return this season – with nine goals in all competitions.
Fernandez is coming off a stellar opening Club World Cup game against Los Angeles, where his introduction at half-time led to him accumulating two shots-on-target, one of which being Chelsea’s second goal.
Now a World Cup and Conference League winner, Fernandez comes into this game with both repute and form.
For these reasons it’s hard to ignore Fernandez contributing once again offensively at such generous odds.
Denis Bouanga to score anytime – 29/20 (William Hill)
Known for his explosive acceleration, consistent end-product and a relentless drive for success, Denis Bouanga is the real deal.
Olivier Giroud was signed by Los Angeles in an attempt to dominate the MLS just over a year ago.
However, it is his team-mate Bouanga who is stealing all the headlines coming into the Club World Cup.
The 30-year-old has had a remarkable end to the season for LA – amassing six goals in his last eight games.
The Gabonese international came ever so close against Chelsea to adding to his recent exploits in front of goal – accumulating three shots on target.
Los Angeles come into their game against Esperance Tunis as the clear favourites.
Against weaker opposition, Bouanga will most certainly fancy himself to score his first goal of the competition come Friday night.
Bouanga is also Los Angeles’ main penalty taker – scoring his last 10 penalties for the American side.
For these reasons, it’s hard to ignore such generous odds for the 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner to score against the Tunisian representatives.
READ NEXT ON SPORTS NEWS BLITZ: Wimbledon news: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and the top men’s singles contenders at SW19
