Eight non-European sides who could spring an upset at the FIFA Club World Cup

The expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup – taking place across the US from June 14 to July 13 – features a power-packed cast of European heavyweights.

But nestled among them are eight non-European contenders ready to cause upsets. Each qualified via continental glory or domestic dominance, and each have weapons that could disrupt the established order.

Inter Miami – United States

Inter Miami qualified not as CONCACAF champions but by virtue of winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield – awarded to the team with the best regular-season record each year – earning a host nation slot. 

Under Javier Mascherano’s stewardship, their form is streaky: they sit third in the Eastern Conference at present.

Lionel Messi, of course, is the X-factor. He has 15 goal involvements (10 goals, five assists) across 13 MLS appearances this season. Luis Suarez is also contributing heavily, with five goals and seven assists. 

Miami are not the strongest side from a defensive perspective, but with all-time greats leading their attack, they are a frightening force. 

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Botafogo – Brazil

As reigning Copa Libertadores winners – their first ever triumph in South America’s most prestigious club tournament – Botafogo punched above their historical weight in 2024. That silverware sealed their ticket to the 2025 Club World Cup.

However, 2025 has been rocky. Ninth in the Campeonato Carioca, humiliated by Racing Club in the Recopa Sudamericana, and languishing 15th in the Brasileirao with just one win in five games.

Their continental peak – particularly the 3–2 win over Estudiantes to stay in Libertadores contention – demonstrates resilience in knockout competition. A “we’ve got nothing to lose” approach could see them exceed expectations in group play.

Fluminense – Brazil

Slotting in as South America’s fourth representative, Fluminense bring flair and a recent domestic title under their belt.

Their title-winning consistency and placement in Group G alongside Dortmund and Ulsan leaves them poised to contend for a knockout spot.

A midfield brimming with creativity and physical depth could unsettle more rigid European structures.

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Flamengo – Brazil

Libertadores winners in 2022-23 and Campeonato Brasileiro titans, Flamengo enter the fray with serious pedigree as a giant of Brazilian football.

Pitted in Group D against Chelsea and Esperance, they’re rich in attacking intent and squad depth.

A lethal front line led by in-form Brazil international Pedro, paired with a stout midfield, the side from Rio de Janeiro will be difficult opponents for anyone.

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River Plate – Argentina

River Plate enter the Club World Cup in strong domestic form, beaten just once in 16 league games so far in 2025.

Their impressive record in Argentina suggests balance: they attack incisively and defend sternly.

Manager Marcelo Gallardo has proven tournament resilience across Copa Libertadores run and in 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono – who will join Real Madrid this summer – they have one of the most exciting young players on display.

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Al-Hilal – Saudi Arabia

The Saudi super-club, Al-Hilal were unsuccessful in their attempt to lure Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes to join them for the Club World Cup, but they were able to secure one of the world’s top tacticians in Simone Inzaghi.

They also boast a wealth of top-level European calibre with the likes of Joao Cancelo, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic Savic, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves.

They have talent and ambition as deep as their pockets, and they are intent upon making a splash on the world stage.

Boca Juniors – Argentina

With their iconic yellow and blue kit, their unmistakable home stadium, La Bombonera, and their array of past legends, Boca remain a global football brand. T

Able to call upon the likes of Edinson Cavani, Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero – all of whom played for Manchester United among other European greats – they possess plenty of top-level experience.

Boca have a historic winning culture, tough mentality and familiarity with top-tier opposition, which gives them a credible shot at qualification from a group containing Benfica and Bayern.

Palmeiras – Brazil

A dominant force continentally as four-time Libertadores winners and a potential contender to pip Porto to group-stage progression.

Brasilian champions in 2022 and 2023, they see a high turnover of star players sold to Europe, but their current squad is headlined by a top striker who has returned from the other side of the Atlantic. Former Barcelona and Real Betis youngster Vitor Roque became Palmeiras’ record signing in February.

They are structured, disciplined and have tournament pedigree. Facing Porto and Al Ahly, they can exploit structured sides with compact pressing and tactical pragmatism.

 

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Key Matches and Potential Shocks

 

•     Inter Miami in Group A: With Messi and Suarez in hot form, the Herons have the firepower to progress from their group.

•    Palmeiras vs Porto : A 50–50 encounter. The South American side will have Porto earmarked as a potential scalp.

•     River Plate vs Inter Milan: One of Argentina’s form teams and historical behemoths against a top European side who will be reeling from a Champions League final drubbing and the departure of head coach Simone Inzaghi.

•    Flamengo vs Chelsea: Brazilian flair against Premier League structure. Flamengo’s recent form in Libertadores speak to their resilience and ability to forge deep knockout runs.

The 2025 Club World Cup may feel like Europe’s coronation – Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain loom large – but beneath the glamour, these eight non-European teams are forming the perfect storm. 

They blend continental success, tactical grit, star quality and a tournament mindset to offer genuine threats. Past upsets – like Corinthians in 2012 or Vasco Da Gama humbling Manchester United way back in 2000 – show it’s possible. And this year, the ingredients are all there.

 

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