Fifa Club World Cup – 3 Best Games of Group Stages

The Fifa Club World Cup has been expanded this season to include 32 teams from around the world who will all battle it out to be the first champions of this extended event.

The Club World Cup will have plenty who are missing their summer fix of football tuning in as some of the biggest sides in the world go head to head. There are eight four-team groups and we have picked out the best bets for three games in the group stages ahead of what looks set to be an intriguing competition.

Tip 1: Lionel Messi to score at any time vs Al Ahly

Fifa must have been thrilled when Inter Miami lifted the Supporters Shield in the MLS last season, meaning the footballing body could grant the Herons a spot in this tournament to ensure Lionel Messi would be featuring.

The Argentinian remains a force to be reckoned with and he could light up the opening night of the tournament against Egyptian side Al Ahly. They may be the top dogs in African football but Al Ahly will not have had to face many challenges like constraining Messi and he is fancied to get on the scoresheet.

The 37-year-old netted 20 times in just 15 MLS starts last year and has started to show signs that he is heating up this time around, netting five goals in his last three MLS matches. He can get on the scoresheet once again in this fixture.

Tip 2: Atletico Madrid or draw double chance vs Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain have just had the best season in their history, finally getting their hands on the coveted Champions League trophy. However, that will have taken plenty out of their squad and many of their stars also featured in the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain.

Luis Enrique’s side kick-off their Club World Cup campaign with a very tricky tie against La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and it could be worth siding with the Spaniards. Atleti beat these opponents in the Champions League group stages and should be fresher heading into the tournament. Take Diego Simeone’s side to at least avoid defeat.

Tip 3: Palmeiras to beat Porto

Porto had a disappointing campaign last season, finishing third in the Portuguese top flight and being dumped out of the Europa League by Roma in the knockout stage.

They may struggle against a Palmeiras side who were runners-up in this competition in 2021 and have been in fine form in South America this term, winning all six Copa Libertadores group games and losing out narrowly in the Brazilian Paulista. The Big Green could be too strong for their European opponents.