Best Club World Cup Betting Promos for May 2025

How the FIFA Club World Cup Format Works (And Who’s Playing)

If you’ve watched past Club World Cups, get ready: 2025’s edition isn’t just bigger, it’s a total format reboot. Manchester City might’ve lifted the trophy two years ago, but this time around, the setup looks completely different.

Before, qualification was simple: win your continent’s champions cup and you’re in. Add a token slot for the host country and voilà: a short, predictable tournament where the UEFA Champions League winner was the favorite 99% of the time. On the other hand, Europe has dominated since 2007, with just one South America win in that span: Corinthians beating Chelsea back in 2012.

Now? It’s wide open. There are 32 teams instead of seven, and they’ve come from every corner of the football world. This type of World Cup will feature 12 European teams, 6 from South America, and 4 each from North America (CONCACAF), Asia (AFC), and Africa (CAF). Oceania gets one as well. And because the U.S. is hosting, Inter Miami secured a controversial extra spot too.

How Each Team Qualified

Let’s start in Europe. Recent Champions League winners Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester City are joined by a loaded lineup based on UEFA’s four-year ranking: Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, and Red Bull Salzburg.

South America is also sending heavy hitters. Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo, and Palmeiras got in by winning the Copa Libertadores, while Argentine powerhouses River Plate and Boca Juniors qualified via CONMEBOL’s rankings.

From North America, Monterrey, Pachuca, and the Seattle Sounders are locked in. But due to multi-club ownership conflicts, León’s place is up for grabs - LAFC and Club América will face off for the final ticket.

Asia’s entries include continental champs Al Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, and Al Ain, with Ulsan HD rounding things out via the AFC ranking system. Africa’s lineup is led by three-time CAF winners Al Ahly, plus Wydad AC, Espérance de Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns. And then only one team from Oceania made the cut: Auckland City, the top-ranked club across the past four years of OFC Champions League play.

And then there’s the wildcard: Inter Miami. They didn’t win the MLS Cup but did clinch the Supporters' Shield after a record-setting season. Messi’s presence probably helped nudge that decision along. Whether future host countries will get similar leeway remains to be seen.

Breaking Down the Group Stage Draw

With teams confirmed, the draw sorted all 32 into eight groups of four. Here’s how they were seeded:

• Pot 1: Top teams from UEFA and CONMEBOL

• Pot 2: Remaining UEFA squads

• Pot 3: Best from AFC, CAF, CONCACAF + two more South American teams

• Pot 4: The rest, including host selections and Oceania

Draws followed standard safeguards, so no top-tier European giants facing off in the early rounds. Every team will play three matches in the group stage, facing each club in their group once. The top two from each group move on to the knockout rounds, and the winners of Groups A, C, E, and G will be paired against runners-up from B, D, F, and H, while the rest are mixed and matched accordingly.

What to Expect from the Knockout Stages

Once the group stage dust settles, it’s win or go home. Single elimination all the way, with three rounds leading to the final. Ties go into two 15-minute extra time halves, then a shootout if needed.

The biggest matches, including both semifinals and the final, will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The same stadium, by the way, that will host the World Cup final just one year later.

Bet Builders and Custom Bets for the Club World Cup

With so many high-stakes matchups coming up, this is the perfect time to start creating your own bets. Most betting sites will offer same-game parlays and builder tools, letting you piece together bets like moneylines, totals, corners, or anytime goalscorers, which is ideal for squeezing more action out of every game.

Want to go deeper? You’ll find custom options like alternate spreads, variable goal totals, or individual player props (like shot totals or braces) on most major platforms. The more you know the matchups, the better these tailored bets can work in your favor, especially once we hit the knockout stages.

Where to Find the Best Odds for the 2025 Club World Cup

Now that we’ve broken down the format and teams, let’s talk sports bets. The action might not have kicked off yet, but based on past performance and operator trends, we’ve got a pretty good read on who’s worth watching. From global giants like bet365 to homegrown names like DraftKings, here’s how the top sportsbooks are shaping up.

bet365: Global Giant, Local Favorite

As one of the biggest names in the football market, bet365 is primed to go all-in on Club World Cup betting. They consistently offer some of the best odds in pre-game markets, in-play betting, and futures. For bettors who want to compare odds across matches this book should be near the top of your list. Whether it’s a moneyline, winner odds, or a combo parlay, bet365 has a reputation for value.

bet365 Bonus Code:

Fanatics Sportsbook

We don’t know what the bonus code offer will look like yet, but if past promos are any clue, Fanatics is likely to drop one of the best Club World Cup betting promos out there. Once the tournament approaches, expect added value through profit boosts, bet credits, or a strong qualifying bet offer.

Plus, this book tends to prioritize player-focused features, which could pay off big for fans betting on goal scorers or same-game combos.

Fanatics Sportsbook promo code:

BetMGM: Built for Live Betting

BetMGM might not lead the charge in international soccer, but when it comes to live betting and timely Club World Cup offers, they deliver. If you’re planning to bet during match time, especially in the group stage or knockout stages, BetMGM’s real-time markets will be worth a look.

BetMGM bonus code:

Caesars Sportsbook: Old-School Meets Streaming

Caesars combines Vegas credibility with strong digital features. Known for special bets, creative parlay options, and (occasionally) streaming, they offer a solid overall experience, especially if you’re looking to get in on big matches featuring european giants like Juventus, Inter Milan, or Bayern Munich.

Caesars Sportsbook promo code:

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DraftKings: Best for Custom Bets

If you’re into same-game parlays, alternate spreads, or building your own slips based on selected games, DraftKingsshould be in your rotation. Their interface is especially friendly for mobile bettors, and while they may not always have the fastest live odds, they’re unmatched for creative markets.

DraftKings promo code:

Teams to Watch at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Let’s get to the question on every bettor’s mind: who’s going to win the FIFA Club World Cup 2025? Now, obviously it’s anyone’s guess, but if you’re looking at winner odds, start with the European giants.

Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are coming in hot. They’re squaring off in this year’s Champions League final, so whoever comes out on top is going to enter the club world cup with a giant target on their back. Plus, both have elite shot-stoppers, aka Yann Sommer and Gianluigi Donnarumma, and in a tournament with tight turnarounds and knockout games, that’s everything. Donnarumma, in particular, has been lights out. He’s allowed just two goals in four knockout games against top-tier sides like Liverpool and Arsenal and already has a Euro title and Player of the Tournament award under his belt. If he shows up, PSG will be a tough out.

Then there’s Real Madrid. Even if they’re not firing on all cylinders, their talent is undeniable. With Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and possibly Trent Alexander-Arnold in the mix, they may be the most stacked squad in the field. Also, Bayern Munich just reclaimed their Bundesliga crown, and Harry Kane has been on a tear with 24 goals in league play. The team’s clicking at just the right time, and they know how to win when it counts.

That said, not every team entering the FIFA club world cup is in peak form. Chelsea may be 2021 UCL champs, but today’s squad looks nothing like that one. Don’t be surprised if they make an early exit. The same might be true for Manchester City. After their historic treble, they’ve come back down to earth a bit. Still, with Rodri anchoring the midfield and big-match experience everywhere, writing them off would be a mistake.

And don’t sleep on teams outside of Europe. Al Ahly has been through more knockout stages than most squads in this field, meaning they know how to advance. Meanwhile, Inter Miami is the wildcard. Sure, Messi’s supporting cast isn’t elite, but he doesn’t need much. We saw it at the World Cup: put him in a short tournament and anything can happen.

Betting Strategies for the Group Stage and Knockout Rounds

With stacked lineups across all eight groups, don’t expect every team to play full throttle from start to finish. Many of the top clubs won’t be too concerned about topping their group: they just want to make it out alive. That’s why betting on a team to advance to the knockout rounds can be a smarter play than guessing whether they’ll finish first or second.

Also, by the time the final group stage match rolls around, keep an eye on teams who’ve already clinched a spot in the knockout stages, or those who are mathematically out. Resting starters is common, which creates opportunities to back underdogs fighting to stay alive.

In some cases, books will let you parlay two teams from a group to advance, or let you bet on specific qualifying duos. These markets can offer solid value, especially if you’ve got a good read on one of the selected games in Group B or elsewhere.

One thing to keep in mind during the FIFA Club World Cup? Motivation varies. Some squads (especially successful clubs with stacked calendars like Atletico Madrid's) may treat this more like a tune-up than a must-win tournament. Meanwhile, clubs like Boca Juniors or River Plate might treat it as the biggest opportunity they’ll get all year. Do your homework. Check injuries, contract situations, managerial pressure, and summer form. That edge could make all the difference when it’s time to place your qualifying bet settlement.

Real-Time Club World Cup Betting: What to Look For

Whether you’re using bet365, Fanatics, or another top book, most betting sites will offer live score tracking and in-game markets during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. So if you’re the type of bettor who loves reacting in real time, this is where it gets fun.

Sports live betting typically focus on updated moneylines, totals, or next-goal scorers, but there’s more to it than that. Betting on a subbed-on striker to score, or reacting to a sudden red card or injury, can help you take advantage of inflated winner odds or mispriced totals. This format is basically rewarding sharp instincts and timing.

Watch closely and you may spot opportunities others miss. Just remember to bet responsibly, and don’t get caught chasing a swing that doesn’t pan out.

Responsible Betting During the FIFA Club World Cup

With all the excitement around the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, it’s easy to get carried away. But a reminder is always worth repeating: responsible gambling should always be at the top of your mind. That means setting a budget, never chasing losses, and walking away when it’s no longer fun. Even with the best club world cup betting promos out there, smart bettors know the most important line you draw is the one you don’t cross.

Luckily, most betting sites offer built-in tools like deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion settings. And if you or someone you know needs help, you can call 1-800-GAMBLER, visit GamTalk.org, or join a Gamblers Anonymous group for support.

Our Final Prediction for the 2025 Club World Cup

We’ve got our field, our format, and the knockout stages mapped out. So let’s talk predictions.

It still feels like a Europe vs. Europe final is the safest bet. Thanks to their draw in Groups A, C, E, and G, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan have a pretty smooth path to the later rounds. Yes, Inter Miami, Manchester City, or even Boca Juniors could make a difference, but anything short of a quarter finals run for Bayern or Inter would be a letdown.

On the other side of the bracket, expect turbulence. With strong South America squads and upstarts lurking, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain still stand out as favorites to make the final. A potential clash between Mbappé and his former club? Yes, please.

So, who takes the title of world cup winner? If we’re playing the winner odds game, our money’s on Real Madrid. Their depth, experience, and attacking firepower make them a nightmare in one-off matches. Bayern Munich might be better as a unit, but Madrid’s ability to finish, and keep the ball out of their own net, gives them the edge in a high-pressure final.