PSG and Bayern Stars Dominate FIFA Club World Cup Group Stage Dream Team Alongside South American Sensations

FIFA president Gianni Infantino's vision for the Club World Cup as a grand spectacle has yet to fully materialize, though the revamped tournament still has opportunities to win over fans and critics alike.

The tournament's massive expansion saw 32 clubs begin their quest for worldwide supremacy, but following the group phase completion, only 16 teams advance to the next round.

Predictions of European supremacy haven't entirely materialized, as Brazilian clubs' performances, Mamelodi Sundowns' spirited displays, and Auckland City's surprising point have emerged as compelling narratives throughout the competition.

While this enlarged format certainly has its flaws, football's fundamental appeal shines through. South American passion has taken center stage, and previously unknown talents have sparkled under the American sunshine since June 14.

Below is Sports Illustrated's selection for the Group Stage XI at the Club World Cup.

GK: Yassine Bounou – Al Hilal

While no keeper managed three shutouts in the group phase, eight achieved two clean sheets, including Al Hilal's Yassine Bounou—better known as 'Bono'.

Bono was instrumental in Morocco's remarkable 2022 World Cup journey and proved to be Sevilla's penalty-stopping champion in the 2023 Europa League final.

Since moving to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, the goalkeeper has maintained his status as one of the world's elite shot-stoppers. His excellence has once again emerged on this summer's grand stage, with Bono recording the tournament's second-best save rate (91.7%) among keepers who featured in at least two group matches.

Only Thibaut Courtois has shown greater efficiency (93.3%), though the Belgian didn't make a crucial penalty save to secure his team a point on opening day, did he?

CB: Nicolás Otamendi – Benfica

The Club World Cup has featured numerous exceptional center-back displays, but few have been more remarkable than former Manchester City defender Nicolás Otamendi.

The Benfica stalwart has had an eventful tournament start, earning and converting a penalty against Boca Juniors in the opening fixtures to secure a valuable point for his team.

The World Cup champion continues operating at elite levels, delivering his finest performance on Matchday 3 when Bayern Munich were kept scoreless. Once considered somewhat unreliable during his Manchester stint, Otamendi has matured significantly in Lisbon, with his development clearly evident throughout the U.S. competition.

The Argentine topped all players in aerial duels won during the group stage (14).

CB: Thiago Silva – Fluminense

Thiago Silva happens to be 40 years old, incidentally.

When Fluminense faced Borussia Dortmund in their group opener, many anticipated the confident Germans would comfortably overcome the Brazilian side. Instead, Fluminense controlled the goalless encounter, with only exceptional saves from goalkeeper Gregor Kobel preventing them from claiming a remarkable win.

While Fluminense, particularly Jhon Arias, excelled in transitional play, Silva remained an unshakeable defensive presence. Despite his advanced age, the veteran moves as though he never left his prime. Core fundamentals never fade, and he's commanded his defensive unit brilliantly throughout the tournament.

CB: Alessandro Bastoni – Inter

Any discussion of the world's finest defenders must include Alessandro Bastoni.

The Italian defender, who emerged at Inter under Antonio Conte's guidance, has anchored Inter's backline for five years, and Christian Chivu is poised to be the next coach to benefit from Bastoni's exceptional abilities.

Few possess Bastoni's unique skill set. He blends classic Italian defensive principles with the modern attacking flair needed to excel in today's game. His reliable presence in Inter's defense has remarkably stood out during the Nerazzurri's transitional period, and Bastoni concluded the group stage with a spectacular individual goal that secured three points against River Plate.

RWB: Achraf Hakimi – PSG

Honestly, there weren't many exceptional options in this position.

Achraf Hakimi, though, has maintained his 2024–25 form. The attacking Moroccan wing-back netted the opener in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter, and needed three matches to score his first Club World Cup goal.

Luis Enrique deployed Hakimi extensively last season, and he's displayed no signs of fatigue despite the energy-draining American heat conditions. The PSG star continues his dominance along the right wing.

CM: Richard Ríos – Palmeiras

While both Jude and Jobe Bellingham deserve recognition for their tournament starts, we've selected the lesser-known Richard Ríos for this position.

Despite significant attention on Chelsea-bound Estêváo Willian, who has shown promise, Palmeiras have excelled collectively and topped Group A after rallying on Matchday 3 to earn a draw against Inter Miami.

Ríos was identified pre-tournament as a player worth monitoring, and the Colombian international has delivered on expectations. He's a commanding midfield presence who can physically dominate opponents while possessing the technical skills to excel in possession.

Ríos displays a complete skill set, which was evident throughout the group stages. He's worth watching in the knockout rounds and will certainly generate transfer speculation following the tournament.

CM: Enzo Fernández – Chelsea

Chelsea struggled during the group stages, needing a 3–0 win over ES Tunis in the final round to qualify behind Flamengo in Group D.

Enzo Fernández, following a successful Premier League campaign, has continued creating attacking threats for the Blues. While the Argentine isn't a game-dominating player, Fernández is developing excellent timing and positioning instincts.

He's contributed three goals or assists at the Club World Cup and led all players in creating 'big chances' (three) during the group phase.

LWB: Rayan Aït-Nouri – Man City

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City has generated significant discussion at the Club World Cup, particularly after their 5–2 demolition of Juventus in their final group match.

After experimenting with full-backs in midfield and center-backs as full-backs, Guardiola appears to be adopting a more conventional approach following City's acquisition of Rayan Aït-Nouri. Among three new signings featuring in the U.S., Aït-Nouri has arguably been the most impressive despite strong showings from both Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki.

The Algerian international earns his place based solely on his Juventus performance. Aït-Nouri maintained possession brilliantly while forming a devastating partnership with Jérémy Doku on the left flank. He was captivating to observe.

RW: Michael Olise – Bayern Munich

Crystal Palace supporters certainly understood what Bayern Munich acquired when they signed Michael Olise last summer, but Bayern fans likely had modest expectations that the Frenchman would develop into the genuine superstar he became during his inaugural season.

The spotlight hasn't fazed the confident Olise, who maintains his tempo regardless of the occasion. After helping Bayern reclaim their Bundesliga title, the winger now seeks to guide Vincent Kompany's squad to Club World Cup triumph.

He frequently appears a level above others, with his tempo and possession fluency capable of mesmerizing spectators. Olise's campaign began with an easy double against Auckland City, but his match-deciding performance on Matchday 2 against Boca Juniors was anything but simple—possibly the tournament's finest individual display thus far.

ST: Igor Jesus – Botafogo

Igor Jesus's ascent has been remarkable over the past year, and the Botafogo striker may soon be playing in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.

Forest fans must be thrilled with what they've witnessed from the 24-year-old this summer, as Jesus opened his tournament with two goals in two matches. His first showcased his impressive aerial prowess for his stature (only Otamendi won more aerial battles in the group stages), while his second came against Paris Saint-Germain.

An eager runner, Jesus broke behind the PSG defense and calmly finished past Gianluigi Donnarumma with a fortunate deflection. Given his effectiveness leading the attack for a transition-dependent Botafogo side, Jesus appears perfectly suited for Nuno Espírito Santo's Forest.

LW: Kenan Yildiz – Juventus

The Juventus prospect was unfortunately denied a hat-trick on Matchday 2 when his first goal against Wydad AC was credited as an own goal. His other two strikes were exceptional and deserving of praise individually.

The Turkish talent's powerful long-range effort may well stand as the tournament's finest goal.

Juve's No. 10 showed glimpses of brilliance last season but couldn't maintain consistent form that justified inheriting the jersey previously worn by Michel Platini, Alessandro Del Piero, Roberto Baggio and Paulo Dybala in Turin.

However, Yildiz's natural magic has emerged in the U.S., and Juventus will hope his electrifying group stage form continues into the knockout phase.