Our deep dive into the contenders to win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continues as we look at the next team who could lift the inaugural trophy in the US in almost two months’ time.
The next side is efficient and makes winning in the domestic setup look as effortless as breathing, with enough dominance on the European stage to be considered a force to be reckoned with in major competitions against any opposition.
Let’s take a closer look at Germany’s FC Bayern Munich.
The Bavarian giants are a proud and elite outfit and have been at the summit of their domestic league for a very long time. Every year, they go from strength to strength, becoming a better version of themselves with each passing season.
Bayern have also been one of the most consistent teams in Europe, having made it to at least the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League with incredible regularity. They have the trophies to show for their reputation, the class to back it, and the capability to add to it.
How did they qualify?
Bayern were among the top 12 seeds of their confederation (UEFA) based on the performances in the confederation’s premier competition (UEFA Champions League) from 2020/21 to 2023/24. Bayern ranked third here, which made them eligible to qualify for the Club World Cup.
Strengths
Bayern’s elite midfield and attack are the envy of the world. The likes of Joshua Kimmich, Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Jamal Musiala — who is expected to be back from injury — will be looking to bring their magic to the biggest stage of them all.
In goal, Manuel Neuer has already made his comeback and looks sharper than ever, thus strengthening the team even further.
Head coach Vincent Kompany has settled well at the club too, ensuring that his playing style is implemented in this team with minimal fuss.
Another thing in Bayern’s favour is the confidence of a champion. They will enter the tournament on the back of reclaiming the German Bundesliga crown, meaning both confidence and morale in the side will be high. The Club World Cup could not have come at a better time for the newly re-crowned German top-flight champions.
Weaknesses
While the squad is stacked with quality players, question marks remain over Bayern’s defensive astuteness. Raphaël Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, and Kim Min-jae are all decent players, but they are also susceptible to mistakes on a regular basis.
The departures of Eric Dier, who was one of Bayern’s top defenders this season, as well as long-serving legend Thomas Müller, have left big holes in two key areas, which will have to be addressed before the start of the tournament.
Group Stage opponents
Bayern are in Group C, along with Kiwi side Auckland City, Portugal’s Benfica, and Argentina’s Boca Juniors. They kick off their Club World Cup campaign on June 15 against Auckland City in Cincinnati, Ohio, before facing Boca Juniors on June 21 in Miami, Florida. Their final group game is against Benfica on June 25 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Chances of winning the Club World Cup
With a comparatively easy group and an easier path to the latter stages should they qualify, Bayern Munich will definitely see this as a winnable tournament.
A well-drilled side coming into the tournament on the back of a league title, with a disciplined coach and in a forgiving group, we give Bayern Munich a 7/10 chance of winning the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
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