Bayern Munich star Harry Kane is heading into the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a firm belief in his team's capabilities, stating confidently, "On a good day, we can beat any opponent in the world." This conviction underscores the high expectations surrounding the Bundesliga champions as they prepare for the inaugural expanded edition of the tournament, set to take place in the United States.
Kane's optimism is fueled by Bayern's recent success, including clinching the Bundesliga title, a triumph that marked the first major team trophy of his illustrious career. The star striker played a pivotal role in Bayern's domestic victory, amassing an impressive 26 goals and eight assists. Ending a long-standing wait for a major trophy has seemingly invigorated Kane, making him eager to add to his silverware collection at the Club World Cup.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is a revamped tournament, significantly expanded from its previous format. Instead of the usual seven or eight teams, this edition will feature 32 clubs from across the six international football confederations: Asia (AFC), Africa (CAF), North and Central America (CONCACAF), South America (CONMEBOL), Oceania (OFC), and Europe (UEFA). This makes it a truly global competition. The tournament will run in a format similar to the FIFA World Cup, with eight groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, followed by a single-match knockout stage through to the final.
Bayern Munich, as one of Europe's representatives, is among the favorites to win the tournament. They are placed in Group C alongside Auckland City, Boca Juniors, and Benfica. The matches will be held across 11 cities in the United States, with Bayern's group games scheduled in Cincinnati, Miami, and Charlotte. The team is preparing at a base camp in Orlando, Florida.
Harry Kane is expected to be a key player for Bayern Munich. After an impressive debut season that saw him win the Bundesliga top-scorer trophy, Kane continued his sensational form this season, scoring 37 goals across all competitions. His contributions extend beyond goal-scoring, as he also provides valuable creative output with 11 assists. Alongside Kane, other Bayern players to watch include Thomas Müller, who is aiming to become the most decorated German footballer ever, Jamal Musiala, known for his dribbling and creativity, and new signings Jonathan Tah and Michael Olise, who have quickly become integral parts of the team.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 represents an exciting opportunity for Bayern Munich to assert their dominance on the world stage. With a talented squad led by Harry Kane and a proven track record of success, the team is well-positioned to compete for the title. Kane's confidence in Bayern's ability to defeat any opponent reflects the team's ambition and determination to make their mark in this inaugural expanded tournament.
The tournament begins on June 14, with the final scheduled for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.