Match Report: Bayern Munich Women 2-1 Man United Women

Treviso's Pre-Draft Camp Proves Vital For NBA Teams

Forbes

24 minutes ago

Forbes

Treviso's Pre-Draft Camp Proves Vital For NBA Teams

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being ... More drafted eleventh overall by the Charlotte Hornets during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Every year, NBA executives flock to Treviso, Italy for pre-draft activities, specifically to observe players who may not have been available during the pre-draft camp in Chicago. This happens with high regularity, seeing as European players are often with their clubs late into the season, meaning scouts and interested parties use this as an opportunity to get a proper look at some of the prospects. Founded in 1954, Treviso has a strong basketball fan base, having had a top-division club, Benetton Treviso, for over 50 years. The club was home to several notable former NBA players, including Toni Kukoč, Andrea Bargnani, Brian Scalabrine, Jorge Garbajosa and Boštjan Nachbar, as well as former NBA coaches like Mike D'Antoni and Željko Obradović. In 2012, Benetton Treviso folded its professional team, choosing instead to focus exclusively on youth development. The club's relationship with the NBA began in the 1980's when the city hosted the first-ever NBA game in Italy as the Seattle SuperSonics faced the local club on August 29, 1984. Kukoč returned to the city in 2001, as Treviso hosted the first-ever Basketball Without Borders (BWB) camp, which has since become a stable within the NBA. BWB has become the NBA, and FIBA's, global basketball development and community outreach program for elite-level prospects outside of the United States. Typically, the NBA and FIBA host four BWB camps each summer for top male and female prospects from their respective regions (Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa), and then BWB Global camps at NBA and WNBA All-Star for top prospects around the world. Since 2001, the camp has reached more than 4,600 attendees from 144 countries and territories, with 132 former campers advancing to the NBA and WNBA. Notable alumni include Pascal Siakam, Joel Embiid and Jamal Murray, not to mention recently-crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. (Gilgeous-Alexander will be joined on court by five other BWB alumni throughout the NBA Finals in Siakam, Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Bennedict Mathurin, and Andrew Nembhard.) I had the chance to interview Troy Justice, NBA Senior Vice President, International Basketball Operations, on the importance of the Treviso camp, seen through the lens of NBA teams. In regards to the pre-draft camp in Treviso, could you attach some words to the importance of NBA teams getting a chance to speak with these players, and getting to know them first-hand? 'It's incredibly important. The players who attended the pre-Draft camp in Treviso weren't able to attend the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago due to the fact that they're still competing in their respective international leagues. The camp in Treviso allows them to go through the same athletic testing as the other Draft-eligible prospects, and as you said, speak directly with NBA teams. There's a lot that goes into evaluating players – not just their ability on the court but who they are as people, teammates and leaders, and bringing these prospects to Treviso is a critical component of the pre-Draft process.' From a macro perspective, the game has evolved a lot in recent years. Movement, shot distribution, positionless basketball, all of it has developed through the mix of international and American players both learning, and sharing their tendencies. Was this something the league saw coming 20 years ago, and what are your thoughts on the current state of the game, given the above-mentioned evolution? 'I'm not sure anyone could have foreseen just how global the game has become. A lot of the credit goes to David Stern, who saw the potential for basketball to be a truly global sport. As far as the current state of the game – I don't think there has ever been more talent leaguewide than there is today, and that's in large part because the level of international talent is at an all-time high. Every player – international and American – brings their own unique style and flair, and it has created an incredible on-court product that will be on full display in these Finals.' Leah MacNab, NBA Senior Vice President, International Strategy & Operations, also agreed to share her views on the expanded role of international players in the NBA. It's extremely obvious that international talent injections have become a permanent annual fixture within the league, and not just a phase. What has the NBA learned from the abundance of international players coming over, in regards to how a league should be run, as well as marketed? 'We're fortunate that the best players in the world – regardless of where they're from – want to play in the NBA. And international players not only foster a unique connection between the NBA and the fans from their respective countries, but in many cases they are global superstars who resonate in the U.S. and around the world. In terms of how we market the league, we recognize that 99 percent of NBA fans will never attend a game in-person, so making our games and programming more accessible and delivering localized content on the devices and platforms fans use most is critically important. And we embrace the fact that every market is different – whether it's the players and teams that fans are most interested in or the distinct basketball culture and rich tradition for the game that exists in so many cities and countries – and tailor our approach accordingly.' The NBA is obviously a presence internationally, both through the Global Games, but also Basketball Without Borders, which has had involvement from All-NBA, and even MVP, players. When you set out to establish a presence in another country, what is your thought process and approach to that market? 'We take a market-based approach to ensure we're meeting the needs of fans and players in their respective regions and bringing the NBA brand to life in a way that resonates locally. We work closely with our 16 international offices to define and execute our strategy in each market, including how best to engage fans in new and creative ways and provide opportunities for youth to learn and play the game.'

2025 Club World Cup power rankings: Where all 32 teams stand — from European giants to hopeful underdogs

Yahoo

26 minutes ago

Yahoo

2025 Club World Cup power rankings: Where all 32 teams stand — from European giants to hopeful underdogs

The 2025 Club World Cup favorites come from Western Europe. The minnows hail from far, far away. The question that will define this inaugural 32-team tournament is: What about everyone in between? That's the question on the tips of tongues in Cairo and São Paulo, in Tokyo and Riyadh, in Miami and Monterrey. The Club World Cup was designed to settle debates that, until now, have largely played out on paper. It will tell us how South American giants compare to European champions; where Major League Soccer stands in the global hierarchy; and whether Lionel Messi is still elite. Advertisement Until it begins on June 14, we simply don't know. We don't know whether the best of MLS can hang with the best of Africa or Brazil. We don't know whether European clubs, with unmatched riches, are really all that superior. But we can guess. The following power rankings are an attempt to make all those comparisons, and rate the Club World Cup's 32 teams based on their chances to reach the tournament's final stages. (Illustration by Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports) Tier 1: The favorites 1. Paris Saint-Germain (France) On a memorable night in Munich, the Parisians left no doubt: they are, at last, the kings of club football. They did not just win the UEFA Champions League; in drubbing Inter Milan by a record margin, 5-0, they confirmed that they're the best damn soccer team in the world. Their press is unparalleled. Their fluid forward line is full of ingenuity and skill. Their midfield is balanced and dynamic. Their defense is solid. Their coach is relatable, ruthless and savvy. The main concern that will trail them to and through the Club World Cup is: Physically and mentally, after their cathartic euphoria on Saturday, how much do they have left in the tank? 2. Real Madrid (Spain) Year 1 of Madrid's latest galactic era produced far more frustration than fireworks. Kylian Mbappé was decently prolific, but Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham regressed in his shadow. Injuries took their toll, and holes appeared, and arrogance exacerbated everything, and you know what? Los Blancos still produced a season that 99.9% of soccer would envy. Because they are still uber-talented. They've recently signed Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold. They have a chance to start fresh under new coach Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup, and all the pieces necessary to win it. 3. Bayern Munich (Germany) It's been an unremarkable season by Bayern Munich's modern standards. And unremarkable seasons by Bayern's modern standards equate to 'really good team in the mix for multiple trophies.' Almost by default, with other giants playing below par, the Bavarians have a place in our top four. 4. Manchester City (England) The fall of the City empire was painful, but … perhaps its permanence was a bit exaggerated? Over the Premier League season's final 12 weeks, Pep Guardiola's side was the best in England. It still has plenty of problems — while defensive frailties have eased, low blocks have proven difficult for City to penetrate. That trend, though, is a tradeoff, and a conscious choice, that could make City a very tough out in a knockout tournament. (Also: Erling Haaland could reignite at any point.) Chelsea FC heads into this summer's Club World Cup coming off a UEFA Conference League win over Real Betis Balompie. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) (Nicolò Campo via Getty Images) Tier 2: The established/blue-blood contenders 5. Inter Milan (Italy) In a span of 90 minutes Saturday at the Allianz Arena, Inter ebbed from a formidable force into a ragged old machine that needs fixing. In reality, of course, it's somewhere in between the two extremes — and remember, that marvelous Champions League takedown of Barcelona was a mere month ago. But cracks have been appearing, repeatedly, week by week, ever since. And all those old legs aren't getting any younger. Nor do they have any time to rest and recharge ahead of the Club World Cup, which is why Inter misses out on our top tier. And if that wasn't enough, manager Simone Inzaghi is now off to Saudi Arabia. 6. Chelsea (England) In 2024, Chelsea was built around Cole Palmer. In 2025, Palmer inexplicably went cold, and the Blues had to evolve into something else. Doing so took time, and required the endurance of a rotten winter, but … might Chelsea be better for it? They've become a more balanced team, with a broader set of potential difference-makers. Don't discount them as Club World Cup contenders. 7. Borussia Dortmund (Germany) For much of the 2024-25 season, Borussia Dortmund was a mess. It was mired in the bottom half of the Bundesliga from January through March. It was stuck on a longer-term treadmill of instability, with no head coach lasting more than 29 months since Jürgen Klopp departed in 2015. But the latest coach, Niko Kovac, hired at the beginning of February, has engineered a turnaround. Over the season's final two months, Dortmund was the hottest team in Germany. It scored 26 goals in eight games — two of which were at Bayern Munich and Leverkusen. So, memo to Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD: beware. 8. Atlético Madrid (Spain) Atleti faded down the stretch in La Liga, but vibes seem strong as the summer tournament nears. The big unknown is how a team renowned for its grit and defensive doggedness will fare as a heavy favorite against overmatch teams like the Seattle Sounders and Botafogo. (Of the nine members of the top two tiers in these power rankings, Atleti is the one that could realistically get grouped.) 9. Juventus (Italy) Juve lost only four games in Serie A this past season … but drew 16. From start to finish, in league and cups, under Thiago Motta and then Igor Tudor, they were just a bit … mediocre. They probably don't belong in this true contender tier, but they don't quite belong in the below one either. The 2025 Club World Cup could be Benfica's Angel Di Maria's farewell to the global stage. (Photo by) (Diogo Cardoso via Getty Images) Tier 3: The frisky, fringe contenders 10. Benfica (Portugal) Many of the players who got Benfica to the Club World Cup, such as Darwin Nuñez and Gonçalo Ramos, have moved on to bigger and better things. Such is life at one of European soccer's premier selling clubs. That's not a derogatory term, by the way; it's a compliment. But it means that Benfica's success can come in waves, and currently, its tide isn't all that high. Its squad, though, is always teeming with intriguing talent, and could easily win a few Club World Cup knockout games. (Oh, and by the way: this is probably our last chance to see Ángel Di María on a global stage.) 11. Palmeiras (Brazil) O Verdão have been soccer's strongest, most consistent non-European team ever since Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira took charge in 2020. They won back-to-back Copa Libertadores titles, then back-to-back Brasileiro Série A titles; they've accumulated the best Expected Goal differential (xGD) in each of the last three seasons in South America's toughest league. The present moment is perhaps not their brightest, but Estêvão, the 18-year-old winger who'll join Chelsea after this tournament, is ready to announce himself to the world; and the rest of the squad, from Vitor Roque right on down to Weverton, is stocked with accomplished South American players of all ilks and ages. 12. Flamengo (Brazil) The hottest team in Brazil will delight fans no matter their familiarity with South American soccer. True ball-knowers will perk up at the sight of Giorgian De Arrascaeta, captain Gerson and Brazilian striker Pedro. Those more in tune with European leagues will recognize defenders Alex Sandro and Danilo, plus manager Felipe Luís, the longtime left back at Atlético Madrid. Flamengo can absolutely challenge Chelsea in Group D, and will be a devilish opponent for LAFC. 13. FC Porto (Portugal) This is not a vintage Porto team. In fact, it just completed the club's worst season in over a decade. But keep your eye on 18-year-old playmaker Rodrigo Mora, who'll likely be at a superclub before you know it. 'He sees the game like no one I've ever coached,' a Porto academy manager told The Guardian. 14. Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) Al Hilal is most well-known in some Western circles for luring Neymar to Saudi Arabia in 2023. But all you have to do is look at its current squad — sans Neymar, who left for Santos in January — to realize that its recruitment of foreign stars went far beyond one splashy signing. And its captain, Salem Al-Dawsari, has proven (with the Saudi national team) that he could, and can, hang on bigger stages, even though he's spent the vast majority of his career at Al Hilal. This is a well-built team, although last month's sacking of manager Jorge Jesus — and the expected arrival of Inzaghi less than two weeks before the Club World Cup — poses plenty of questions about its readiness for the tournament. Monterrey, a star-studded but uneven squad led by an aging Sergio Ramos, stands tallest among CONCACAF's Club World Cup contenders. (Photo by) (Azael Rodriguez via Getty Images) Tier 4: The best of the rest 15. River Plate (Argentina) River has been laboring lately. Aside from 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono, its squad is increasingly old and over the hill. But perhaps its age and experience — at least eight players have appeared for the Argentine national team — will come in handy this month? We shall see. 16. Monterrey (Mexico) The most expensive squad in Mexican soccer is, uh, a curious one. There are Liga MX vets and loads of talent; and then there is Sergio Ramos, one of several aging Spaniards brought in to spice up a side that … didn't necessarily need spicing. They've fallen short of expectations in 2025, winning less than half their games, and they certainly don't project the aura of Club World Cup Cinderella. Nonetheless, they're the strongest of the five CONCACAF representatives. 17. Al Ahly (Egypt) As the only pro club to win three continental titles in the four-year qualification period, Al Ahly enters the Club World Cup with the greatest delta between credibility and hype. Domestically, of course, it is revered and beloved. Outside Africa, it is largely being ignored because it lacks buzzy names or young players coveted for their potential. But don't let the lack of buzz lull you to sleep. This is a club that has won games at five consecutive iterations of the former Club World Cup (now renamed the FIFA Intercontinental Cup) — including over Monterrey and the Seattle Sounders in 2021 and 2022. 18. Botafogo (Brazil) Six months ago, Botafogo — which is owned by mercurial American businessman John Textor — would've belonged in Tier 3 of these rankings. But since their historic Libertadores-Série A double, they've settled back into their more customary place in the middle of Brazil's table. They've lost a few 2024 stars, and could soon sell more. They're simply not the machine they were a year ago. 19. RB Salzburg (Austria) Of the Club World Cup's 32 participants, Salzburg is the most out-of-place. It claimed one of Europe's 12 spots, but … it just wrapped up a second consecutive second-place finish in UEFA's 13th-ranked league, the Austrian Bundesliga. And its pipeline of emerging talent — the one that ushered along Erling Haaland, Benjamin Šeško, Karim Adeyemi and Dominik Szoboszlai, among others — seems to have dried up a bit, at least temporarily. MLS glamour teams Inter Miami and LAFC — featuring Lionel Messi and Denis Bouanga — face some stiff competition in the 2025 Club World Cup group stage. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Tier 5: The mid/The long shots 20. LAFC (United States) This is not LAFC's most dynamic, prolific team ever, and it hasn't yet hit its stride in 2025. But, with a rejiggered midfield, it's one the sturdiest that the club has had since its 2018 inception. And Denis Bouanga, the French forward who's scored or assisted 64 MLS goals since the start of 2023, is fantastic. 21. Inter Miami (United States) Ever since breaking the MLS regular-season points record last fall, Miami has been moderately messy (pun somewhat intended). It crashed out of last year's playoffs; named a new head coach and sporting director (both with strong Messi ties); started 2025 well but then began to struggle. Eye tests and underlying data alike would tell you that this is not a team capable of making a Club World Cup run. But the man wearing No. 10, and still bamboozling defenders at age 37, would tell you the opposite. 22. Fluminense (Brazil) Unlike Palmeiras and Flamengo, Flu's presence at the Club World Cup is a bit fluky. Over the past decade, its Série A finishes have been: 13th, 13th, 14th, 12th, 14th, 5th, 7th, 3rd, 7th, 13th. Its performance this summer, therefore, will be an intriguing test of the Brasileiro's depth. 23. Boca Juniors (Argentina) Boca, aesthetically, has been a soccer eyesore for a while now. It has very few, if any, exciting youngsters. It has a few World Cup vets — Edinson Cavani, Marcos Rojo, Luis Advíncula — but all are well past their prime. Its xGD in the Argentine league has hovered right around 0 for three seasons and counting. And yet, it is Boca. It subsists on intrinsic passion. It should pack stadiums, and its zealous following could propel it through a tournament that, for many other teams, might feel somewhat stale. 24. Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) The richest club in Africa recently ousted Al Ahly and another Club World Cup participant, ES Tunis, from the CAF Champions League. It has won eight straight South African Premiership titles. But does it have the juice to make noise at a global tournament? Fortunately, it probably has the weakest of the eight groups. 25. Seattle Sounders (United States) The Sounders have been Major League Soccer's most consistent franchise since entering the league in 2009. They have a sharp, dependable, adaptable coach in Brian Schmetzer, and a wise, deep roster by MLS standards. But the current iteration lacks top-end talent. Two U.S. national team veterans, Jordan Morris and Paul Arriola, are currently injured. It's very tough to see Seattle challenging PSG or Atleti in Group B. (And a battle with MLS and ownership over the players' share of Club World Cup prize money probably won't help.) 26. Pachuca (Mexico) They aren't the most famous or deep-pocketed club in Mexico, but Tuzos keep on keeping pace with wealthier and more popular rivals. That said, though: Their 2024 CONCACAF title keeps looking more and more like an anomaly. They're a mid-table team that will try to measure up to the Club World Cup's toughest group — Real Madrid, Salzburg and Al Hilal. 27. ES Tunis (Tunisia) Eight consecutive Tunisian league titles, and even a few runs in the CAF Champions League, aren't enough to convince us that ES Tunis can hang with Flamengo and Chelsea. 28. Urawa Reds (Japan) Many domestic leagues around the world are dominated, year after year, by the same club(s). Japan's J1 League is not one of them. And while its parity is largely a good thing, parity doesn't help a single representative compete in an international tournament. Which brings us to Urawa Reds, who haven't won the league since 2006; eight other clubs have won it since their last title. They're here because they won the Asian Champions League in 2022, but none of that information suggests they're ready to make a splash in the U.S. this summer. Advertisement 29. Wydad (Morocco) They're Morocco's winningest club, but they're far from the peak of their powers at the moment. 30. Ulsan (South Korea) The champions of Asia in 2020 appear, on paper, to be overmatched at the Club World Cup. But they do have two winnable group games. 31. Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) The out-of-nowhere Asian champs in 2024 appear to be even more overmatched, especially in a group featuring Juventus and Manchester City. Tier 6: The amateurs 32. Auckland City (New Zealand) They're perennial powers in Oceania. They're also amateurs. (New Zealand's best clubs compete in Australia's A-League, which is under the Asian soccer confederation.) It's tough to overstate how wide the gap is between Auckland City and the rest of the field.

2025 Club World Cup power rankings: Where all 32 teams stand — from global giants to hopeful underdogs

Yahoo

32 minutes ago

Yahoo

2025 Club World Cup power rankings: Where all 32 teams stand — from global giants to hopeful underdogs

The 2025 Club World Cup favorites come from Western Europe. The minnows hail from far, far away. The question that will define this inaugural 32-team tournament is: What about everyone in between? That's the question on the tips of tongues in Cairo and São Paulo, in Tokyo and Riyadh, in Miami and Monterrey. The Club World Cup was designed to settle debates that, until now, have largely played out on paper. It will tell us how South American giants compare to European champions; where Major League Soccer stands in the global hierarchy; and whether Lionel Messi is still elite. Advertisement Until it begins on June 14, we simply don't know. We don't know whether the best of MLS can hang with the best of Africa or Brazil. We don't know whether European clubs, with unmatched riches, are really all that superior. But we can guess. The following power rankings are an attempt to make all those comparisons, and rate the Club World Cup's 32 teams based on their chances to reach the tournament's final stages. (Illustration by Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports) Tier 1: The favorites 1. Paris Saint-Germain (France) On a memorable night in Munich, the Parisians left no doubt: they are, at last, the kings of club football. They did not just win the UEFA Champions League; in drubbing Inter Milan by a record margin, 5-0, they confirmed that they're the best damn soccer team in the world. Their press is unparalleled. Their fluid forward line is full of ingenuity and skill. Their midfield is balanced and dynamic. Their defense is solid. Their coach is relatable, ruthless and savvy. The main concern that will trail them to and through the Club World Cup is: Physically and mentally, after their cathartic euphoria on Saturday, how much do they have left in the tank? 2. Real Madrid (Spain) Year 1 of Madrid's latest galactic era produced far more frustration than fireworks. Kylian Mbappé was decently prolific, but Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham regressed in his shadow. Injuries took their toll, and holes appeared, and arrogance exacerbated everything, and you know what? Los Blancos still produced a season that 99.9% of soccer would envy. Because they are still uber-talented. They've recently signed Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold. They have a chance to start fresh under new coach Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup, and all the pieces necessary to win it. 3. Bayern Munich (Germany) It's been an unremarkable season by Bayern Munich's modern standards. And unremarkable seasons by Bayern's modern standards equate to 'really good team in the mix for multiple trophies.' Almost by default, with other giants playing below par, the Bavarians have a place in our top four. 4. Manchester City (England) The fall of the City empire was painful, but … perhaps its permanence was a bit exaggerated? Over the Premier League season's final 12 weeks, Pep Guardiola's side was the best in England. It still has plenty of problems — while defensive frailties have eased, low blocks have proven difficult for City to penetrate. That trend, though, is a tradeoff, and a conscious choice, that could make City a very tough out in a knockout tournament. (Also: Erling Haaland could reignite at any point.) Chelsea FC heads into this summer's Club World Cup coming off a UEFA Conference League win over Real Betis Balompie. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) (Nicolò Campo via Getty Images) Tier 2: The established/blue-blood contenders 5. Inter Milan (Italy) In a span of 90 minutes Saturday at the Allianz Arena, Inter ebbed from a formidable force into a ragged old machine that needs fixing. In reality, of course, it's somewhere in between the two extremes — and remember, that marvelous Champions League takedown of Barcelona was a mere month ago. But cracks have been appearing, repeatedly, week by week, ever since. And all those old legs aren't getting any younger. Nor do they have any time to rest and recharge ahead of the Club World Cup, which is why Inter misses out on our top tier. And if that wasn't enough, manager Simone Inzaghi is now off to Saudi Arabia. 6. Chelsea (England) In 2024, Chelsea was built around Cole Palmer. In 2025, Palmer inexplicably went cold, and the Blues had to evolve into something else. Doing so took time, and required the endurance of a rotten winter, but … might Chelsea be better for it? They've become a more balanced team, with a broader set of potential difference-makers. Don't discount them as Club World Cup contenders. 7. Borussia Dortmund (Germany) For much of the 2024-25 season, Borussia Dortmund was a mess. It was mired in the bottom half of the Bundesliga from January through March. It was stuck on a longer-term treadmill of instability, with no head coach lasting more than 29 months since Jürgen Klopp departed in 2015. But the latest coach, Niko Kovac, hired at the beginning of February, has engineered a turnaround. Over the season's final two months, Dortmund was the hottest team in Germany. It scored 26 goals in eight games — two of which were at Bayern Munich and Leverkusen. So, memo to Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD: beware. 8. Atlético Madrid (Spain) Atleti faded down the stretch in La Liga, but vibes seem strong as the summer tournament nears. The big unknown is how a team renowned for its grit and defensive doggedness will fare as a heavy favorite against overmatch teams like the Seattle Sounders and Botafogo. (Of the nine members of the top two tiers in these power rankings, Atleti is the one that could realistically get grouped.) 9. Juventus (Italy) Juve lost only four games in Serie A this past season … but drew 16. From start to finish, in league and cups, under Thiago Motta and then Igor Tudor, they were just a bit … mediocre. They probably don't belong in this true contender tier, but they don't quite belong in the below one either. The 2025 Club World Cup could be Benfica's Angel Di Maria's farewell to the global stage. (Photo by) (Diogo Cardoso via Getty Images) Tier 3: The frisky, fringe contenders 10. Benfica (Portugal) Many of the players who got Benfica to the Club World Cup, such as Darwin Nuñez and Gonçalo Ramos, have moved on to bigger and better things. Such is life at one of European soccer's premier selling clubs. That's not a derogatory term, by the way; it's a compliment. But it means that Benfica's success can come in waves, and currently, its tide isn't all that high. Its squad, though, is always teeming with intriguing talent, and could easily win a few Club World Cup knockout games. (Oh, and by the way: this is probably our last chance to see Ángel Di María on a global stage.) 11. Palmeiras (Brazil) O Verdão have been soccer's strongest, most consistent non-European team ever since Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira took charge in 2020. They won back-to-back Copa Libertadores titles, then back-to-back Brasileiro Série A titles; they've accumulated the best Expected Goal differential (xGD) in each of the last three seasons in South America's toughest league. The present moment is perhaps not their brightest, but Estêvão, the 18-year-old winger who'll join Chelsea after this tournament, is ready to announce himself to the world; and the rest of the squad, from Vitor Roque right on down to Weverton, is stocked with accomplished South American players of all ilks and ages. 12. Flamengo (Brazil) The hottest team in Brazil will delight fans no matter their familiarity with South American soccer. True ball-knowers will perk up at the sight of Giorgian De Arrascaeta, captain Gerson and Brazilian striker Pedro. Those more in tune with European leagues will recognize defenders Alex Sandro and Danilo, plus manager Felipe Luís, the longtime left back at Atlético Madrid. Flamengo can absolutely challenge Chelsea in Group D, and will be a devilish opponent for LAFC. 13. FC Porto (Portugal) This is not a vintage Porto team. In fact, it just completed the club's worst season in over a decade. But keep your eye on 18-year-old playmaker Rodrigo Mora, who'll likely be at a superclub before you know it. 'He sees the game like no one I've ever coached,' a Porto academy manager told The Guardian. 14. Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) Al Hilal is most well-known in some Western circles for luring Neymar to Saudi Arabia in 2023. But all you have to do is look at its current squad — sans Neymar, who left for Santos in January — to realize that its recruitment of foreign stars went far beyond one splashy signing. And its captain, Salem Al-Dawsari, has proven (with the Saudi national team) that he could, and can, hang on bigger stages, even though he's spent the vast majority of his career at Al Hilal. This is a well-built team, although last month's sacking of manager Jorge Jesus — and the expected arrival of Inzaghi less than two weeks before the Club World Cup — poses plenty of questions about its readiness for the tournament. Monterrey, a star-studded but uneven squad led by an aging Sergio Ramos, stands tallest among CONCACAF's Club World Cup contenders. (Photo by) (Azael Rodriguez via Getty Images) Tier 4: The best of the rest 15. River Plate (Argentina) River has been laboring lately. Aside from 17-year-old sensation Franco Mastantuono, its squad is increasingly old and over the hill. But perhaps its age and experience — at least eight players have appeared for the Argentine national team — will come in handy this month? We shall see. 16. Monterrey (Mexico) The most expensive squad in Mexican soccer is, uh, a curious one. There are Liga MX vets and loads of talent; and then there is Sergio Ramos, one of several aging Spaniards brought in to spice up a side that … didn't necessarily need spicing. They've fallen short of expectations in 2025, winning less than half their games, and they certainly don't project the aura of Club World Cup Cinderella. Nonetheless, they're the strongest of the five CONCACAF representatives. 17. Al Ahly (Egypt) As the only pro club to win three continental titles in the four-year qualification period, Al Ahly enters the Club World Cup with the greatest delta between credibility and hype. Domestically, of course, it is revered and beloved. Outside Africa, it is largely being ignored because it lacks buzzy names or young players coveted for their potential. But don't let the lack of buzz lull you to sleep. This is a club that has won games at five consecutive iterations of the former Club World Cup (now renamed the FIFA Intercontinental Cup) — including over Monterrey and the Seattle Sounders in 2021 and 2022. 18. Botafogo (Brazil) Six months ago, Botafogo — which is owned by mercurial American businessman John Textor — would've belonged in Tier 3 of these rankings. But since their historic Libertadores-Série A double, they've settled back into their more customary place in the middle of Brazil's table. They've lost a few 2024 stars, and could soon sell more. They're simply not the machine they were a year ago. 19. RB Salzburg (Austria) Of the Club World Cup's 32 participants, Salzburg is the most out-of-place. It claimed one of Europe's 12 spots, but … it just wrapped up a second consecutive second-place finish in UEFA's 13th-ranked league, the Austrian Bundesliga. And its pipeline of emerging talent — the one that ushered along Erling Haaland, Benjamin Šeško, Karim Adeyemi and Dominik Szoboszlai, among others — seems to have dried up a bit, at least temporarily. MLS glamour teams Inter Miami and LAFC — featuring Lionel Messi and Denis Bouanga — face some stiff competition in the 2025 Club World Cup group stage. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Tier 5: The mid/The long shots 20. LAFC (United States) This is not LAFC's most dynamic, prolific team ever, and it hasn't yet hit its stride in 2025. But, with a rejiggered midfield, it's one the sturdiest that the club has had since its 2018 inception. And Denis Bouanga, the French forward who's scored or assisted 64 MLS goals since the start of 2023, is fantastic. 21. Inter Miami (United States) Ever since breaking the MLS regular-season points record last fall, Miami has been moderately messy (pun somewhat intended). It crashed out of last year's playoffs; named a new head coach and sporting director (both with strong Messi ties); started 2025 well but then began to struggle. Eye tests and underlying data alike would tell you that this is not a team capable of making a Club World Cup run. But the man wearing No. 10, and still bamboozling defenders at age 37, would tell you the opposite. 22. Fluminense (Brazil) Unlike Palmeiras and Flamengo, Flu's presence at the Club World Cup is a bit fluky. Over the past decade, its Série A finishes have been: 13th, 13th, 14th, 12th, 14th, 5th, 7th, 3rd, 7th, 13th. Its performance this summer, therefore, will be an intriguing test of the Brasileiro's depth. 23. Boca Juniors (Argentina) Boca, aesthetically, has been a soccer eyesore for a while now. It has very few, if any, exciting youngsters. It has a few World Cup vets — Edinson Cavani, Marcos Rojo, Luis Advíncula — but all are well past their prime. Its xGD in the Argentine league has hovered right around 0 for three seasons and counting. And yet, it is Boca. It subsists on intrinsic passion. It should pack stadiums, and its zealous following could propel it through a tournament that, for many other teams, might feel somewhat stale. 24. Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) The richest club in Africa recently ousted Al Ahly and another Club World Cup participant, ES Tunis, from the CAF Champions League. It has won eight straight South African Premiership titles. But does it have the juice to make noise at a global tournament? Fortunately, it probably has the weakest of the eight groups. 25. Seattle Sounders (United States) The Sounders have been Major League Soccer's most consistent franchise since entering the league in 2009. They have a sharp, dependable, adaptable coach in Brian Schmetzer, and a wise, deep roster by MLS standards. But the current iteration lacks top-end talent. Two U.S. national team veterans, Jordan Morris and Paul Arriola, are currently injured. It's very tough to see Seattle challenging PSG or Atleti in Group B. (And a battle with MLS and ownership over the players' share of Club World Cup prize money probably won't help.) 26. Pachuca (Mexico) They aren't the most famous or deep-pocketed club in Mexico, but Tuzos keep on keeping pace with wealthier and more popular rivals. That said, though: Their 2024 CONCACAF title keeps looking more and more like an anomaly. They're a mid-table team that will try to measure up to the Club World Cup's toughest group — Real Madrid, Salzburg and Al Hilal. 27. ES Tunis (Tunisia) Eight consecutive Tunisian league titles, and even a few runs in the CAF Champions League, aren't enough to convince us that ES Tunis can hang with Flamengo and Chelsea. 28. Urawa Reds (Japan) Many domestic leagues around the world are dominated, year after year, by the same club(s). Japan's J1 League is not one of them. And while its parity is largely a good thing, parity doesn't help a single representative compete in an international tournament. Which brings us to Urawa Reds, who haven't won the league since 2006; eight other clubs have won it since their last title. They're here because they won the Asian Champions League in 2022, but none of that information suggests they're ready to make a splash in the U.S. this summer. Advertisement 29. Wydad (Morocco) They're Morocco's winningest club, but they're far from the peak of their powers at the moment. 30. Ulsan (South Korea) The champions of Asia in 2020 appear, on paper, to be overmatched at the Club World Cup. But they do have two winnable group games. 31. Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) The out-of-nowhere Asian champs in 2024 appear to be even more overmatched, especially in a group featuring Juventus and Manchester City. Tier 6: The amateurs 32. Auckland City (New Zealand) They're perennial powers in Oceania. They're also amateurs. (New Zealand's best clubs compete in Australia's A-League, which is under the Asian soccer confederation.) It's tough to overstate how wide the gap is between Auckland City and the rest of the field.

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