AI Supercomputer Reveals Shocking 2025 Club World Cup Predictions: Real Madrid Only Third Choice

From an initial field of 32 teams, just four remain standing. In what feels like the blink of an eye, we've reached the semifinal phase of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

This restructured competition has delivered captivating storylines and thrilling battles between the elite clubs from every continent, as the grand finale at MetLife Stadium on July 13 draws nearer.

While European clubs were anticipated to advance furthest in the United States, one unexpected South American challenger continues to defy expectations in their quest for glory.

So what does statistical analysis firm Opta forecast for the tournament winner?

Supercomputer Predicts Club World Cup Champion

Current European titleholders Paris Saint-Germain entered as one of the tournament's top contenders and have lived up to expectations in their pursuit of the championship. The Parisian club has allowed only a single goal throughout the competition, which came in their loss to Botafogo, but elimination victories against Inter Miami CF and subsequently Bayern Munich have secured their semifinal berth.

They stand as the primary favorites for the championship with a 39.33% probability of claiming the trophy, while also holding slight favoritism (58.84%) to overcome Real Madrid in their compelling semifinal clash on Wednesday.

The Spanish giants have displayed some weaknesses while adjusting to Xabi Alonso's leadership, yet their talent has carried them past the group phase and then European powerhouses Juventus and Borussia Dortmund in elimination matches. Despite their track record of collecting trophies with ease, Madrid receives only a 24.67% likelihood of securing the Club World Cup.

Chelsea, who have enjoyed a somewhat smoother path to the final four compared to their potential championship game rivals, are assigned superior odds of tournament victory over Madrid at 33.27%, with their final qualification chances standing at 80.51%. The London side has defeated Benfica and Palmeiras since group play concluded and will encounter former defender Thiago Silva in the semifinals as they seek to overcome surprise contender Fluminense.

The Brazilian squad is naturally viewed as the semifinal underdogs, though they can draw confidence from Chelsea's earlier tournament defeat to their countrymen Flamengo. Fluminense's solid defensive play has guided them past Inter and Al Hilal in knockout competition, and they believe they can produce another shocking result on Tuesday.

While they possess merely a 19.49% chance of triumph, far more unlikely scenarios have unfolded before.

Chances of Winning Club World Cup