Best Players to Watch at the FIFA Club World Cup

Source: Alamy Stock Photo

The FIFA Club World Cup is just around the corner and we have picked out some of the best players that will be in action.

Never has there been such hype surrounding a FIFA Club World Cup as the one set to take place on US soil this summer, with some of the world’s biggest names battling it out for the trophy.

With many of the game’s elite stars looking to light up the competition, here’s our list of players to keep an eye on at this summer’s tournament.

Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)

A player who has come on leaps and bounds since making the move from Lyon in 2023, Bradley Barcola is now one of the first names on the team sheet for Paris Saint-Germain.

Helping to fill the void left by Kylian Mbappe following his high-profile move to Real Madrid, Barcola has enjoyed a tremendous season so far.

Scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists in Ligue 1, Barcola has also played an important role in helping PSG reach the Champions League final.

At just 22 years of age, the forward has a bright future ahead of him, and supporters heading to stadiums in the US will get to witness a rising star at this FIFA Club World Cup.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Now the main man at Chelsea, Cole Palmer has proven he made the right decision in leaving Manchester City to begin a new chapter in his career at Stamford Bridge.

No matter the occasion, Palmer is a player who has the composure to cope with pressure and can flourish in big games.

Seemingly gliding past defenders at times, and with the ability to use either foot, Palmer is a dangerous player in the final third.

A prolific penalty taker too, Palmer could be a strong contender to finish as the top goalscorer in this competition if he finds his rhythm.

Estevão (Palmeiras)

A player who is set to join Chelsea this summer, Estevão will have his final swansong with Palmeiras at the FIFA Club World Cup before making the move to Stamford Bridge.

Having recently turned 18, there is plenty of excitement about this young talent and what he can go on to achieve in the Premier League.

The FIFA Club World Cup offers the teenage winger the chance to show what he’s capable of on a big stage and justify why Chelsea have spent a reported €34million to bring him to west London.

A winger with all the tricks in the book, Estevão has the ability to make defenders look foolish at times, and he will certainly be a player to watch this summer in the States.

Miguel Borja (River Plate)

With pace and power, River Plate’s Miguel Borja is another forward who will be keeping defenders busy in this competition.

The 32-year-old has played for a host of clubs throughout his career, but his most successful spell has come since joining River Plate in Argentina.

Borja is potentially in the shop window, with a move to Europe possibly on the cards, so the experienced striker will be looking to impress potential suitors this summer.

The Colombia international has the ability to turn a game on its head in a matter of seconds, and he will be key for River Plate if they are to progress from a group that includes Inter Milan, Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Injuries hampered Erling Haaland’s 2024/25 Premier League season, as Manchester City failed to hit the heights they’ve reached in previous campaigns.

Nonetheless, the Norwegian goal machine still managed to find the back of the net 22 times in the league this season.

With Pep Guardiola’s side looking to get back to winning silverware, Haaland will need to return to his best to help City achieve that goal at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Playing in a group that also features Juventus, Al Ain and Wydad AC, City should fancy their chances of reaching the knockouts where anything can happen, especially with Haaland in their ranks.

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

The iconic Lionel Messi will be grabbing much of the spotlight when the FIFA Club World Cup heads to the US.

Messi will turn 38 during the tournament, but despite being in the final stages of his career, he continues to be a threat on the pitch.

Dazzling at times in the MLS with Inter Miami, Messi continues to bamboozle defenders, just as he has done throughout his entire career.

Also capable of jaw-dropping free-kicks, Messi is bound to make more headlines with his efforts on the pitch this summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo?

While Al-Nassr failed to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo might yet be involved in the tournament.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has claimed that “there are discussions” about Ronaldo signing for a club that will take part in the competition, so we might yet see the Portuguese legend feature in this highly-anticipated tournament.