Aug 3, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Manchester City forward Erling Haaland (9) misses a shot on goal against Chelsea in the first half during the FC Series game at Ohio Stadium.
The FIFA Club World Cup has entered a new era. From 2005 to 2024, only eight teams participated in the competition and spots were earned if teams won their continental tournament the previous season. In Europe, that mean whoever won the Champions League, while in South America it's the Copa Liberatadores. Other participants were based on respective winners from club competitions around the world.
That format was scrapped for 2025, with the United States hosting it for the first time. Instead of it occurring every year, the Club World Cup will now happen every four years, with the tournament expanding to 32 teams. It previously was just seven games across two weeks, but that's risen to 63 in a month's time. Eight of those games will be played in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field, including the quarterfinal on July 4. Teams like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Juventus and others are slated to play at the Linc.
There will be plenty of star power on display throughout the matches this month. Here are some of the biggest that will appear:
Kylian Mbappe, Attacker, Real Madrid
This time last year, Kylian Mbappe was the consensus best player in the world. Now, that title is in doubt. He made headlines by leaving Paris Saint Germain for Real Madrid — the reigning Champions League winners in 2024 — on a free transfer. Mbappe's move was essentially like Kevin Durant signing with the Golden State Warriors. Unlike Durant, Mbappe didn't help Real Madrid win. They didn't win a trophy for the first time since 2020-21. Meanwhile, PSG won the Champions League for the first time ever, while Real Madrid lost in the quarterfinals.
Despite the lack of team success, Mbappe is still must-see TV. He scored 31 goals in 34 league games for Madrid. He's a lightning quick forward that can outrun pretty much any defender in the world. Pair that with his elite finishing ability and you get at minimum a top-three player in the world.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Right Back, Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold has yet to play a game for Real Madrid, which is what makes this so interesting. Alexander-Arnold previously suited up for Liverpool, a team he'd been a part of since he was six years old in their academy. However, he didn't renew his contract and joined Real Madrid for free — like Mbappe — in June, causing a stir among Liverpool fans. During one of their last home games, Alexander Arnold was booed by his own fans for his decision.
Even though he's a defender, Alexander-Arnold is arguably the best long-range passer in the world. He can spray balls all over the field with pinpoint accuracy, connecting with runners in behind defenses. His strengths work in tandem with Mbappe's skillset. If the two build chemistry together, they'll be a nightmare for defenses everywhere.
Erling Haaland, Striker, Manchester City
Erling Haaland is one of the most prolific strikers the English Premier League has ever seen and he's only played in it for three seasons. During his debut season in 2022, he broke the single-season goal record, by scoring 36 in 33 starts. He helped Manchester City claim a record-breaking fourth-straight Premier League title the next season with 27 goals, but an injury-riddled campaign haunted Haaland this time around. He still managed to score 22 times, in what was deemed a down season. That's the level Haaland is at. Players dream of scoring 20+ goals in the Premier League. Haaland does it in his sleep.
Cole Palmer made history this season, becoming the first player to score FOUR goals in one half. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/3oXo5dy3LM
Cole Palmer, Midfielder, Chelsea
Cole Palmer is seen as Chelsea's so-called "franchise player." He was developed in Manchester City's academy, but after wanting more playing time, he moved to Chelsea two summers ago. That transfer ignited his career. He had 22 goals in 2023-24, becoming Chelsea's best player. This year, Palmer finished with 15, but only had one tally after Jan. 14. Still, he's a great creator, that can play all over the field and impact the game in a number of ways.
Benjamin Sesko, Striker, Red bull Leipzig
Benjamin Sesko might not play for Red Bull Leipzig much longer. He's been linked to a move away to premier league side Arsenal among other European clubs, which makes this fascinating. The 22-year-old has accumulated 27 goals over the past two seasons, making him a sought after asset. He's physically dominant at 6-foot-5, but also has elite speed to get in behind defenders. It'll be interesting to see if a move for Sesko is negotiated while RB Leipzig is still playing.
Kenan Yildiz, Attacker, Juventus
Yildiz's production in terms of goals and assists isn't on the same level as the other players on this list. However, he's one of the most exciting young players in Europe. Yildiz is a silky smooth dribbler that uses his low center of gravity to glide by defenders. Despite being 20-years-old, Juventus rely heavily on him to create chances in the final third.
