Following their recent Bundesliga title success, Bayern Munich is strongly positioned to compete for the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup title in the USA this June and July. Here are five reasons why Vincent Kompany`s team could follow up their sensational season with a groundbreaking summer by lifting this historic trophy.
Bayern`s illustrious history demonstrates a relentless pursuit of trophies. The 2024/25 Bundesliga title win marked a successful return to domestic dominance but is merely a stepping stone for such an ambitious club. Bayern is fully focused on winning the Club World Cup in the USA. Every player, from club legend Thomas Müller, potentially surpassing Toni Kroos in total trophies, to star striker Harry Kane, eager to add another major honor, is highly motivated to claim this prize.
Harry Kane`s incredible goalscoring ability is well-known. He has a proven track record in major competitions, winning the Golden Boot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and sharing the honor at UEFA Euro 2024. He also finished as the top scorer in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League. It is highly anticipated that Kane will showcase his prolific form in the USA this summer, making a significant impact on the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup.
Bayern`s collective strength, highlighted by talents like Michael Olise in their title-winning campaign, was undeniable. However, a major factor in their narrow UEFA Champions League defeat to Inter Milan was the absence of key playmaker Jamal Musiala. Musiala is targeting the USA tournament for his complete return to fitness, suggesting Bayern`s potent attack will be at full strength. Before his hamstring injury in April, he was in exceptional form (12 goals in 25 matches) and can be a decisive player in crucial knockout games. His return, alongside goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, will be vital for Bayern`s pursuit of the trophy.
While numerous strong contenders will vie for the Club World Cup trophy in New Jersey, Bayern appears to have a relatively favorable draw. They have been placed in Group C alongside Benfica, whom they defeated 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League in November, Boca Juniors, who were eliminated early in the 2025 Copa Libertadores qualifiers, and Auckland City, considered underdogs from New Zealand. If Bayern secures first place in their group, they would proceed to face the runner-up of Group D (containing Flamengo, Espérance de Tunis, Chelsea, and Los Angeles FC) in the Round of 16. This pathway suggests Bayern could potentially avoid encountering another team that reached the knockout rounds of this season`s UEFA Champions League until at least the quarter-final stage.
Jamal Musiala scored the decisive goal when Bayern defeated Benfica 1-0 in November during the UEFA Champions League group stage.
While the new format of the FIFA Club World Cup means a new trophy for their cabinet if they win, Bayern Munich has a strong history in this competition. They are one of only four clubs to have won the Club World Cup multiple times (2013, 2020) and also secured the Intercontinental Cup twice (1976, 2001). Six players who started the 2020 final victory against Tigres are still part of the squad: Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, Leroy Sané, Kingsley Coman, and Serge Gnabry, with Jamal Musiala appearing as a late substitute. Having this core of players experienced in competing against teams from different confederations globally is a significant strength. Furthermore, Neuer and the departing Thomas Müller can draw upon their experience from Germany`s 2014 FIFA World Cup triumph in Brazil.
