A supercomputer operated by BoyleSports has simulated the matches of the new Club World Cup tournament 10,000 times, and the predictions are surprising: Chelsea is eliminated in the Round of 16, while Benfica reaches the final as a major surprise.
The reformatted tournament with 32 teams, which will be held for the first time in the United States, kicks off on June 15. Despite being favored to top their group—which includes ES Tunis, Flamengo, and Los Angeles FC—Chelsea, according to the simulations, will finish second behind the Tunisian team.
This result will pit Enzo Maresca’s side against Benfica, who are expected to top a tough group containing Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors, and Auckland City. And according to the supercomputer, Chelsea will be defeated 3-1 by the Portuguese giants, ending their campaign in the first knockout round.
Manchester City, on the other hand, is not expected to have a perfect start and will finish second in their group with Juventus, Al-Ain, and Wydad Casablanca. But the European champions will explode in the knockout stages, defeating Real Madrid, Inter, and Juventus once again to secure a place in the final.
According to the supercomputer, the final—scheduled for July 13 in New Jersey—will be between Manchester City and Benfica, and it is the Portuguese side that will deliver another shock by beating City 2-1 to claim the prestigious trophy, according to TCH.
Other predictions from the simulation include:
- PSG will be eliminated in the Round of 16 by Palmeiras, following their Champions League glory.
- Al-Hilal, the Saudi giants, will advance from a group featuring Real Madrid, RB Salzburg, and Pachuca, but will be stopped in the Round of 16.
- Botafogo will surprise by advancing ahead of Atletico Madrid in their group.
- River Plate and Palmeiras will reach the quarterfinals, best representing South America.
Despite these forecasts, betting agencies continue to rank Real Madrid, Manchester City, PSG, and Bayern Munich as the main favorites to win this historic edition of the Club World Cup.
The Club World Cup will begin on Sunday, June 15, with the opening match kicking off at 2:00 AM between Al Ahly and Inter Miami.
