Benfica and FC Porto could capture a European “shark” in the group stage of the new Club Football World Cup, which will be held next year in the United States, as well as teams led by Portuguese coaches.
According too the data released by FIFA this Tuesday for the draw that will take place in Miami, in the United States, on Thursday, Benfica and FC Porto, the two representatives of Portugal in the competition, were placed in Pot 2, entirely European. and it is already certain that, in the first stage, they will not face Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Atlético de Madrid, Juventus and Salzburg.
In Pot 1, manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, all recent winners of the UEFA Champions League, could appear in the path of “reds” and “dragons, and also Paris Saint-Germain, who has been attempted for the first time in the Champions League history.
Abel Ferreira’s Palmeiras also qualified for seed status and have the possibility to face the Portuguese team in the group, as well as historic South American teams such as Flamengo, River Plate and Fluminense.
The possible duels between Benfica and FC Porto continue with Portuguese coaches who work “outside” in Pot 3, with al-Hilal, with Jorge Jesus, and Botafogo, with Artur Jorge, the recent winner of the Libertadores Cup, and in Pot 4, with Al Ain, by Leonardo Jardim.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami has appeared in the last pot and could be opponents of one of the two Portuguese teams that will be on North American soil next summer.
What is certain is that Benfica and FC Porto could have at most one European opponent in the group stage,or even none,as pots 3 and 4 are all filled with teams from all over the world,except the “old section”.
In a new format imposed by FIFA, which has drawn some criticism from managers, coaches and players for potentially too many games in one season, the club World Cup will for the first time feature 32 clubs, divided into eight group of four , with the first two going to the knockout stage, which starts with the round of 16.
In total, there will be 63 games, in 12 stadiums, in 11 cities, between June 15 and July 13, 2025, with the final being played at MetLife Stadium, in New York/new Jersey.
No confederation will have more than one representative in each group, with the exception of UEFA, which has 12 clubs in the competition - four of the eight groups will have two European flags.
However, clubs from the same country will not be able to cross paths in the same group.
According to FIFA, the full calendar, including times and locations, will be released after the draw, taking into account sports and player-centric criteria, but also the interests of local and foreign fans, and the channels responsible for television broadcasts. .
Pots for drawing:
Bring 1: Manchester city (eng), Real Madrid (esp), Bayern Munich (Ale), Paris Saint-Germain (Fra), Flamengo (Bra), Palmeiras (Bra), River Plate (Arg), Fluminense (Bra).
Take 2: Chelsea (Eng), Borussia Dortmund (Ale), inter Milan (Ita), FC Porto (Por), Atlético de Madrid (Esp), Benfica (Por), Juventus (Ita), Salzburg (Aut).
Take away 3: Al-Hilal (Ara), Ulsan (Cor), Al Ahly (Egi), Wydad Casablanca (Mar), Monterrey (Mex), León (Mex), Boca Juniors (Arg), Botafogo (Bra).
Take 4: urawa Red diamonds (Jap), Al-Ain (EAU), ES Tunis (Tun), Mamelodi Sundowns (Afs), Pachuca (Mex), Seattle Sounders (EUA), Auckland City (Nzl), Inter Miami (EUA).
What are the potential benefits for clubs like Benfica and FC Porto in participating in the Club Football World Cup?
Interview between time.news Editor and Football Expert on the Upcoming Club Football World Cup
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to today’s special interview! We’re diving deep into the exciting world of football as we prepare for the inaugural Club Football World Cup in the united States next year. Joining me today is renowned football expert, Dr. Maria Costa, who has extensively studied European club dynamics. Maria, it’s a pleasure to have you with us!
Dr. Maria Costa: Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to discuss this event that promises to be a landmark in the world of club football.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The upcoming tournament features some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, including two giants from Portugal: Benfica and FC Porto. How significant is it for these clubs to advance in such a high-stakes competition?
Dr. Costa: It’s incredibly significant. Competing against Europe’s elite offers Benfica and FC Porto not just valuable international exposure, but also the chance to showcase their talent on a global stage. success in this tournament can elevate their status and attract talent, sponsorship, and fan engagement.
Editor: Speaking of competition, the article mentions that both clubs may face formidable “sharks” in this new group stage. Can you elaborate on the implications of such matchups?
Dr. Costa: Absolutely! The term “shark” refers to strong clubs known for their history and performance,like those from England,Spain,or Germany. Facing these teams puts Benfica and FC Porto under immense pressure. Though, it’s also an prospect to prove themselves.If they can hold their own or even win, it can be a huge morale booster and a significant achievement, impacting their domestic league performance as well.
Editor: That’s a great point. The tournament format is different from customary competitions. How do you think this new structure will affect the teams and their strategies?
Dr. Costa: The group stage format requires clubs to adapt quickly to different playing styles as they’ll encounter various European teams. This shift means they need to be versatile in their tactics. Coaches will have to prepare their teams for quick turnarounds, focusing on squad rotation and managing player fatigue, especially with the demands of domestic leagues coinciding with an intense international schedule.
Editor: With this tournament being a historic event, do you think we’ll see any long-term trends emerging in European football as a result of the Club Football World Cup?
Dr. Costa: definitely. This competition could foster greater collaboration between clubs, leading to better scouting and transfer strategies. Moreover, it might encourage mid-tier clubs to invest more heavily in their squads to compete with the top teams. It can also accelerate the rise of rivalries that transcend national boundaries, establishing new narratives in the footballing world.
Editor: Looking beyond 2024, what kind of legacy do you envision the Club Football World Cup leaving on football culture?
Dr. Costa: I believe it could reshape fan engagement worldwide. Just as the FIFA World Cup dose for national teams,the club Football World Cup can create traditions and emotional bonds around club identities. It may also inspire young players to aspire towards club football excellence, highlighting the importance of grassroots advancement alongside promoting international competition.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Maria. It truly seems we’re on the brink of a new era in club football. Before we wrap up, what advice would you give fans as they prepare for this exciting tournament?
Dr. Costa: fans should jump into this experience with an open mind and embrace the different styles of play they will witness. It’s a great opportunity to witness the evolution of football firsthand.and, of course, supporting your home clubs like Benfica and FC porto during this journey is crucial!
Editor: wonderful advice! Thank you, Dr. Costa, for your valuable insights today. We look forward to seeing how Benfica and FC Porto perform in the Club Football World Cup.Until next time, everyone!