Graham Ruthven | Something for the Weekend: Club World Cup

Player to score – Vangelis Pavlidis (Boca Juniors v Benfica)

Only Viktor Gyokeres scored more goals than Vangelis Pavlidis in Liga Portugal last season, with the Benfica striker expected to be a goal threat at the 2025 Club World Cup. The Greek striker scored nine goals in nine games to finish the season for the Eagles. Boca Juniors will have their hands full.

Boca Juniors have not won in their last four games and could struggle against a Benfica side intent on playing on the front foot. This promises to be one of the most intriguing encounters on opening weekend, but Benfica will have the advantage, and Pavlidis could hurt the Argentines.

Over 4.5 total goals – Bayern Munich v Auckland City (4/7)

Bayern Munich kick off their Club World Cup campaign against the only non-professional team in the tournament, Auckland City, on Saturday. This looks like the biggest mismatch in the competition, with the Bavarians boasting one of the world’s greatest attacks while Auckland City has a team of teachers, estate agents, dentists and more.

Harry Kane has found the back of the net in six of his last seven games for club and country in all competitions and will fancy his chances of filling his boots against the Oceania champions. Jamal Musiala could return from injury, and Michael Olise is also expected to play an important role.

Match to be a draw – Palmeiras v Porto (19/10)

Palmeiras entered this summer’s World Cup after two defeats in the Brasileiro, but they still boast a team full of talent. Estevao, in particular, could use the tournament to make a name for himself before moving to Chelsea when he turns 18. The teenager could make an impact.

Porto doesn’t have a vintage team, according to their usual high standards, but they still have quality performers like Diogo Costa and Samu Omorodion. Palmeiras are a stylish side that knows how to win, having made a habit of it in Brazilian domestic football, making this a difficult match to predict.

Both teams to score – Al Ahly v Inter Miami (8/13)

Lionel Messi’s Miami will open the 2025 Club World Cup against Al Ahly on Saturday night. The 37-year-old is still capable of producing magic, as demonstrated in MLS this season, but Inter Miami have earned itself a reputation for being defensively vulnerable under new manager Javier Mascherano.

Indeed, the Herons have kept just three clean sheets in 16 league matches this season. In addition, Inter Miami has conceded four against Minnesota and FC Dallas and three against San Jose. Al Ahly, as the top scorers in the Egyptian Premier League, should fancy their chances of finding the net.

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Paris SG can back up their Champions League triumph by adding the Club World Cup to their summer collection. Luis EnriqEnrique entered the competition as one of the favourites to go the distance, with the 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan still fresh in the memory. PSG are a serious outfit.

Atletico Madrid can compete against the best on their day and finished the 2024/25 season strongly, scoring four goals in three of their last four league fixtures. Nonetheless, Diego SimeoSimeone’s might struggle with PSG’s density and energy over 90 minutes.