As we count down to the kick-off of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, our coverage of the tournament ramps up.
Here, we preview Group E and predict the teams to go through to the knockouts.
Inter Milan qualified as one of the highest-ranked sides in the UEFA standings during the 2021–2024 cycle.
Monterrey qualified by winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2021.
Urawa Reds qualified in 2022 after winning the AFC Champions League — the highest competition in the confederation.
River Plate qualified as one of the top-ranked sides in the CONMEBOL standings during the same period.
On paper, Inter Milan are the strongest in the group, though they find themselves at a crossroads. After missing out on the Serie A title and losing the UEFA Champions League final in the space of ten days, they come into the tournament exhausted, jaded, and devoid of confidence. Add to that the loss of head coach Simone Inzaghi to Saudi side Al-Hilal, and the Nerazzurri are in need of filling a huge vacuum.
Monterrey have a good, talented squad at their disposal. Led on the pitch by Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, they also have in their ranks former Valencia and Real Betis midfielder Sergio Canales, former Sevilla forward Lucas Ocampos, and former PSV, Roma, and Real Sociedad defender Héctor Moreno.
River Plate, meanwhile, boast one of the hottest properties in world football at the moment. Franco Mastantuono has been making waves around the world — and for very good reason. This tournament could be the one that catapults him to global stardom. Apart from him, they also have the likes of Gonzalo Montiel, Franco Armani, and Enzo Pérez, all of whom have plenty of big-tournament experience.
Finally, Urawa Reds will be spearheaded by former Japan international Genki Haraguchi, though they have precious little else in terms of genuine player quality.
On paper, it looks like Inter should be comfortable winners of the group given their overall squad quality and recent experience in big tournaments.
Monterrey and River Plate will be in the tussle for the second spot. On paper, one could say they’re even-stevens in terms of player quality. However, if Mastantuono departs the club for a European side — with Real Madrid and PSG leading the race for his signature — River Plate’s chances will take a heavy hit.
All things considered, we back Inter Milan to progress as group winners and River Plate as runners-up.
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