The Club World Cup has long been seen as a European victory lap, a predictable finale where Champions League winners lift yet another trophy. But the 2025 edition, featuring 32 teams in a new expanded format, is proving anything but routine.
Al-Hilal’s 4–3 win over Man City, Botafogo beating PSG, and Chelsea struggling against Flamengo all point to one thing: the global gap is closing. Clubs from South America, Africa, and Asia aren’t just making up the numbers anymore; they’re making headlines. And for bettors, this shift means the football odds don’t always tell the full story.
The Assumption of European Dominance
For years, the idea that European clubs would dominate the Club World Cup went largely unquestioned. And to be fair, the logic checks out. The Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga boast the biggest transfer budgets, world-class facilities, and squads stacked with international talent. Throw in relentless media hype and global fanbases, and it’s no surprise that many assume a routine path to the trophy.
But the assumption doesn’t always match reality.
In this year’s tournament alone, Al-Hilal shocked one of the most successful clubs in England, Man City, with a 4–3 win, Botafogo edged PSG 1–0, and Flamengo outclassed Chelsea 3–1, even with the Blues going down to ten men. These weren’t one-off flukes. They were deserved victories from clubs that came prepared.
Mainstream coverage often glosses over these results, choosing instead to focus on the glamour names and European drama. But if you’ve been watching closely, it’s clear: the so-called underdogs are biting back.
Style Clashes & Travel Trouble
If you’re used to the structured, possession-heavy rhythm of European football, the Club World Cup can feel like another planet. Teams from South America or Africa often play with a raw edge. More physical, more direct, and sometimes beautifully chaotic. It’s not worse football. It’s just different, and that difference matters.
European clubs, especially in the early rounds, regularly get caught off guard. They’re facing unfamiliar opponents with contrasting tactics, in high-stakes matches where the underdogs have everything to gain. Add in long-haul flights, jet lag, and local conditions, and you’re asking already-fatigued squads to adapt on the fly.
And this year? The tournament’s in the USA, where record heatwaves have added an extra layer of difficulty. Some teams have had to play in up to 40°C temperatures with minimal acclimatisation.
Underdogs Who’ve Made History
While this year’s shocks have raised eyebrows, the Club World Cup has always had room for the unexpected. Underdogs punching above their weight isn’t new. It’s a pattern as old as the tournament itself.
In 2010, TP Mazembe of the DR Congo stunned Internacional of Brazil, becoming the first African club to reach the final. Six years later, Kashima Antlers nearly pulled off the impossible, pushing Real Madrid to extra time in a 4–2 thriller, and even leading the match at one point.
Then came Al Ain’s unforgettable run in 2018. The Emirati side went toe-to-toe with South American giants River Plate, drawing 2–2 and eventually winning on penalties after taking an early lead. Few outside the UAE expected them to survive the group stage, yet they made the final.
Older fans might remember São Paulo’s 1–0 win over Liverpool in 2005, where goalkeeper Rogério Ceni’s heroics denied the Champions League holders again and again. According to FIFA, that win is still considered one of the tournament’s most disciplined defensive displays.
What Bettors Can Learn from This
If there’s one lesson from this year’s Club World Cup, it’s this: don’t just bet on the badge. Names like Real Madrid or Man City might dominate headlines, but football betting isn’t about brand recognition – it’s about reading the game.
Before placing a bet, ask yourself the right questions:
- Who’s actually in form?
- What’s the travel schedule been like?
- Are key players suspended, carrying knocks, or just plain exhausted?
Underdog clubs often offer far better value, especially when bookmakers price in reputation more than reality. That’s where the smart money looks for opportunity. Football betting is about probabilities, not favourites. And when you spot a mispriced underdog in a tournament full of surprises, that’s where you find your edge.
For punters looking to stay sharp, checking the latest football odds across all matches is essential. Online platforms like 32Red don’t just cover the obvious Premier League ties; they offer in-depth markets on global competitions like the Club World Cup, with up-to-date pricing, live betting, and a flurry of live stats that reflect what’s actually happening on the pitch.
Final Whistle
The Club World Cup may not carry the prestige of the Premier League or Champions League, but it delivers something just as valuable – unpredictability. Year after year, so-called minnows rise to the occasion, rewriting scripts and rattling the odds.
