Club World Cup Knockout Stage Preview: Key Matchups, Favorites, and Betting Trends

European powerhouses like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are favored, but the group stage saw surprising eliminations, including Atlético Madrid.

Inter Miami is the sole MLS representative, adding intrigue with Lionel Messi facing his former team, PSG.

Betting trends show Manchester City as the favorite (+275), but PSG is more popular among bettors, leading in money-share at DraftKings (27%) and BetMGM (23.8%).

The Club World Cup's overall betting handle in the U.S. is lower compared to other major soccer events, indicating a tenuous popularity despite the high stakes.

Why this matters: The Club World Cup offers a glimpse into the potential success of a larger, global tournament, while also highlighting the challenges of gaining traction in the competitive U.S. sports betting market.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami:: A highly anticipated match featuring Lionel Messi against his former club. PSG is heavily favored, but Messi's presence makes Miami a dangerous underdog.

Real Madrid vs. Juventus:: A clash of European giants, with Real Madrid entering as a strong contender.

Manchester City vs. Al Hilal:: Man City looks to continue their dominance after a resounding group stage performance.

Despite being the favorite, Manchester City hasn't garnered significant betting interest in the U.S.

PSG's popularity among bettors highlights the team's appeal and perceived chances of winning.

The lower-than-expected betting handle for the tournament raises questions about its current popularity in the U.S. market.

Stay updated on team news and form leading up to the matches.

Consider betting opportunities, but be aware of the lower overall handle and potential for upsets.

Soccer fans in North America, who are getting a preview of the expanded World Cup format coming in 2026.

Sportsbooks, which are evaluating the tournament's potential for attracting betting revenue.

Q: When is the Club World Cup final?

Q: Which teams are favored to win the tournament?

Q: Where are the matches being played?

The FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage features exciting matchups and potential upsets.

Betting trends indicate PSG is a popular pick, while Manchester City is the favorite.

The tournament's success in attracting U.S. viewers and bettors remains to be seen.

Keep an eye on Inter Miami's performance, as Lionel Messi aims to lead his team to victory.