The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicks off on Saturday, June 14, bringing with it a wave of betting intrigue as 12 European clubs enter the expanded global tournament.
With UEFA’s best and brightest (and a few surprises) making the trip, punters are sizing up which teams can deliver profit as well as performances.
From the outright favourites to long-shot value plays, Sport Preview provides your betting preview of Europe’s representatives in this summer’s tournament.
Top European picks: Betting favourites
🇪🇸 Real Madrid (4/1 to win)
Champions League winners in 2022 and 2024, Madrid arrive with Xabi Alonso at the helm and a squad boosted by marquee arrival Trent Alexander-Arnold.
With tournament pedigree and recent form, they’re the shortest European odds for a reason.
Serious backers will see value in their 4/1 price as a strong outright play.
🇫🇷 Paris Saint-Germain (5/1 to win)
Fresh from their long-awaited Champions League triumph, PSG enter with confidence and continental swagger.
They’re drawn with Atletico Madrid but should top Group B. At 5/1, they offer excellent value – especially if you’re after a bet with both upside and security.
🇬🇧 Manchester City (5/1 to win)
City are still elite despite a turbulent domestic season. Pep Guardiola’s men have the experience, and a forgiving Group G (bar Juventus) gives them a clear path to the knockout stages.
Their 5/1 odds mirror PSG and offer similarly strong backing.
🇩🇪 Bayern Munich (7/1 to win)
While lacking a recent UCL title, Bayern are the highest-ranked UEFA non-winner and remain tournament stalwarts.
They’re in Group C with Benfica – a group they should top. Backing Bayern at 7/1 is a calculated risk with upside if their firepower clicks early.
🇬🇧 Chelsea (10/1 to win)
It has been a mixed few years since their 2021 Champions League triumph, but Chelsea are an unpredictable threat.
At 10/1, they offer value for bettors looking for a slightly longer shot with upside, depending on their knockout route.
MORE BETTING TIPS: US Open 2025 betting preview: DeChambeau, Niemann and Straka in the hunt at Oakmont
Mid-range outsiders with potential
🇮🇹 Inter Milan (14/1)
The 2023 UCL runners-up have pedigree, if not dominance.
In a tournament full of giants, Inter are in the tier of “could sneak it” and offer fair value at 14/1 – especially if they get a favourable draw past the group stage.
🇪🇸 Atletico Madrid (14/1)
Atleti scraped into the CWC on coefficient points but are battle-hardened and tactically disciplined.
They face PSG in the group stage, but if they get through, Diego Simeone’s men become dangerous. 14/1 is generous for a team that often thrives when underestimated.
Longer odds, bigger rewards
🇩🇪 Borussia Dortmund (22/1)
Runners-up in the 2024 UCL and recent Bundesliga revivalists, Dortmund find themselves in a manageable Group F.
With Serhou Guirassy and Jamie Gittens looking to impress, their attacking flair could cause a stir.
At 22/1, they’re a value bet for a deep run.
🇮🇹 Juventus (22/1)
The Old Lady are in transition, with Igor Tudor just settling in – but don’t write them off.
With a manageable group and pedigree, they’re worth a speculative flutter at 22/1 if you believe they can rediscover their old bite.
🇵🇹 Benfica (33/1)
Benfica are in the same group as Bayern Munich but can’t be discounted – especially in group-stage bets.
With Angel Di Maria’s final act, they’ll be playing with emotion and intent.
At 33/1, they’re a decent outsider worth monitoring.
The deep long shots
🇵🇹 Porto (40/1)
In a group that includes Inter Miami and Al Ahly, Porto may quietly fancy their chances to sneak through.
Gabri Veiga adds spark, and 40/1 odds reflect a team that may not win it – but could spring an upset or two.
Consider them for group-stage punts.
🇦🇹 Red Bull Salzburg (100/1)
Group D features Real Madrid and Al Hilal – so it’s an uphill task for the Austrians.
Still, Oscar Gloukh and Karim Konate offer talent.
If you’re a dreamer (or love a massive outsider), 100/1 is the definition of a moonshot.
Best bets summary
Tournament winner tip: PSG (5/1) – Champions League winners, favourable group, momentum.
Best value: Borussia Dortmund (22/1) – Strong form, winnable group, attacking firepower.
Group stage upset potential: Porto to qualify from Group A – Excellent value if Inter Miami falter.
Avoid: Salzburg outright – Great for youth development, not for trophies at this level.
Verdict
The Club World Cup may be new in format, but the same betting principles apply: look for strong squads, easy groups, and upward trajectories.
Real Madrid and PSG lead the way for a reason, but punters looking for bigger payouts should keep a close eye on Dortmund and Atleti.
The globe’s biggest clubs meet on the grandest stage – just make sure your bets are placed before the whistle blows on June 14.
