The Club World Cup is right around the corner, as the best clubs from all around the globe will be traveling to the United States of America to find out who the best club in the world is.
Fans in America are excited to see their clubs from across the pond and beyond come to the state. MLS fans are more excited to see how their club stacks up with the most talented clubs they may ever face.
As a writer who watches these teams every week, I am curious to see how one of these teams will perform against their group, while I am optimistic about the other two.
Expectations should be kept at a minimum for MLS fans and USA soccer fans alike. Any of the three teams could make it out of their group it is unlikely for that to occur.
We will explore each MLS team and what I think of their chances in this version of the Club World Cup.
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LAFC
A lot has been happening in the city of LA that has had the fans protesting games and remaining silent instead of cheering, chanting, and singing like they have been known to do.
Advancing to the knockout rounds of this tournament would be a proud moment for this club, as they want to get a win for the fans who won’t be able to attend the games in the Club World Cup.
The pride of LA is in group D, they will be facing off against Clube de Regatas do Flamengo of Brazil, Espérance Sportive de Tunis of Tunisia, and Chelsea FC of England.
Casual fans may think this is the easiest group compared to the other MLS groups. Tunis is a strong club out of Africa, while Cr Flamengo shouldn’t be underestimated as a Brazilian side with tons of talent.
Chelsea is the big fish in this group and is expected to win their games and advance to the knockout rounds.
I expect, at the very best, that LAFC will steal a game in this group; a draw and good goal differential could be all they need to get to the knockout. If LAFC were to win two games, I would consider this competition to be a success for the American side.
Seattle Sounders
The Seattle Sounders have already proclaimed their frustration with FIFA and the tournament’s financial winnings a week ago. Despite the player’s frustrations with the competition, the fans are excited to see one of the top teams in the history of the MLS play the world’s best.
Unfortunately for Seattle, they found themselves in group B with the winner of the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain of France, Atlético de Madrid of Spain, and Botafogo of Brazil.
This appears to be the group of death, and Seattle appears to have the short end of the stick. If Seattle can earn a draw, I would consider this a successful Competition for them.
This prediction has less to do with Seattle and more to do with the level of competition that they will face. I would find it hard to believe that any MLS team could make it out of this group.
Inter Miami
Inter Miami has gotten back on track in their last few games after having a lackluster month and a half. Though I have been very critical of Miami since covering the MLS, it is hard to ignore the clear talent and experience in major competitions over the past 15 years.
I am confident that even if Miami struggles to win games, they will look like they belong in their group.
Miami fell into group A with SE Palmeiras of Brazil, FC Porto of Portugal, and Al Ahly FC of Egypt. All three of these clubs are tough teams and could win the group, I do believe that Miami will finish second as their best result in this group.
I could see Miami winning two games and advancing off of those wins, but I can also see them heading back to Miami with no wins. Al Ahly FC is my prediction to win the group, the Egyptian powerhouse is my dark horse to make a run in this tournament.
Miami has the best shot of the three teams to make it to the knockouts. That being said, it would take a large amount of luck for an MLS team to stack wins in the group stage to make it to the knockouts.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO / Newscom World
Recording Date 27.05.2025