The FIFA Club World Cup is an annual event that pits the continental champions from each confederation against each other in a global tournament to crown a worldwide club title winner.
Usually, the European champion, qualifying as last year's UEFA Champions League winner, takes the crown as the European clubs are considered far and away the best in the world. However, the South American champion usually puts up a fight and has occasionally sprung an upset.
For the most part, clubs from other confederations are just excited to be a part of the competition, and will look to secure a result or two in the hopes of positioning themselves to take the field alongside legendary European and South American opponents.
Real Madrid are this year's overwhelming favorite, as the defending Champions League title holders. Flamengo entered as the Copa Libertadores champion but suffered a shock elimination at the hands of Al Hilal. The Seattle Sounders were the first MLS side to ever take part in the Club World Cup, while Wydad Casablanca played as hosts in Morocco after winning the CAF Champions League.
This year's tournament takes place in February 2023 but is referred to as the 2022 Club World Cup as it was originally scheduled for last calendar year before the World Cup pushed it back.
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Odds to win 2022 Club World Cup
As the European participant, Real Madrid were considered overwhelming pre-tournament favorites. The Copa Libertadores title winners Flamengo were seen as the only side able to put up a challenge.
European clubs have won each of the past nine Club World Cup titles, while no club from outside either Europe or Brazil have ever won the tournament.
Pre-tournament odds via Caesars (USA), updated as of Tuesday, January 31 prior to tournament start.
| Caesars | |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid | -300 |
| Flamengo | +350 |
| Wydad Casablanca | +2500 |
| Al Hilal | +2500 |
| Seattle Sounders | +3000 |
| Al Ahly | +10000 |
| Auckland City | +25000 |
Odds, lines for Club World Cup matches
As the tournament progresses, matchups will be set and odds will be released.
Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), and Neds (Australia)
Semifinal: Real Madrid vs Al Ahly
Real Madrid are considered heavy favorites in this match despite the numerous injuries and poor recent form, with Al Ahly as long as +750 with some bookmakers.
Interestingly, despite Madrid's status as expected winners, the oddsmakers do seem to consider the extensive injuries to Los Blancos when looking at game flow. The over 2.5 goals total is only a slight favorite, with the injury to Karim Benzema evidently impacting upon predictions.
| Caesars | Sports Interaction | SkyBet | Neds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid win | -255 | -244 | 4/11 | 1.40 |
| Draw | +340 | +350 | 18/5 | 4.00 |
| Al Ahly win | +750 | +620 | 13/2 | 7.00 |
| Both teams to score Y / N | +110 / -140 | -102 / -154 | 10/11, 4/5 | 2.00 / 1.73 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals | -125 / -105 | -122 / -104 | 8/11, 1/1 | 1.77 / 1.98 |
| Real Madrid -1.5 | +115 | +118 | — | — |
| Al Ahly +1.5 | -145 | -151 | — | — |
Note: "to win" and "draw" refers to 90 minute result, while "to advance" refers to team advancing to next round
