Comparing All Six Continents
The recently updated Club World Cup, held in the USA, has garnered mixed feedback but has undoubtedly showcased some quality and entertaining football. The expanded format has seen clubs from around the world competing against one another, with teams from Europe (12), South America (6), North America (5), Africa (4), Asia (4), and Oceania (1) battling for the title of the world’s best team.
While it was anticipated that European teams would dominate given their financial clout and pedigree, the opening weeks of the tournament have delivered several surprises. Notably, Brazilian team Botafogo defeated Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain 1-0, while Chelsea also faced a setback against Flamengo from Rio de Janeiro, losing 3-1. This pattern has been evident throughout the tournament. So, how does each continent’s representation measure up so far in this summer’s Club World Cup?
South America Takes the Lead: Which Continents Have Excelled at the Club World Cup?
First, it’s important to highlight the significant gap in finances and quality among European teams. As shown in the graphic above, the average market value of the squads from the 12 European teams is €737 million, far exceeding other continents. South America’s average is €154 million, while Asia has €60 million, North America €58 million, Africa €30 million, and Oceania’s lone representative, Auckland City, has a modest squad value of €5 million. This context makes the following statistics even more commendable.
When calculating the average points per team in the Club World Cup, South America actually surpasses Europe. The six South American teams—Botafogo (6 points), Flamengo (6 points), Fluminense (4 points), River Plate (4 points), Palmeiras (4 points), and Boca Juniors (1 point)—average 4.16 points per team. In contrast, the 12 European teams have collectively earned 48 points, averaging just 4.00 points each, placing them just behind their South American counterparts. This is a remarkable achievement, and the South American teams are eager to solidify their places in the knockout stage, with all still having a chance to qualify, although Boca Juniors face tough odds.
Currently in third place are the African teams, which average 1.75 points across four clubs: Mamelodi Sundowns (4 points), Esperance Tunis (3 points), Al Ahly (0 points), and Wydad Casablanca (0 points). The North American teams follow, averaging 1.20 points among five teams, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contributing three points to their total of six. Asia ranks fifth with a disappointing average of 0.50 points, primarily due to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal (2 points), who is the only Asian team with points so far. Finally, Oceania’s Auckland completes the rankings with 0.00 points and a goal difference of -16 for the New Zealand amateur side.
