Betting Tips
Betting Tips with BetKing: Tactical trends from the Club World Cup so far
by Jolayemi Jones
27 Jun 2025
Tournaments like the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup never play by the rules. Just when you think you have it all figured out, some underdog stuns a giant, a bet you were certain about crumbles, and suddenly, your "lock" of the week looks like a bad joke. Sound familiar? Exactly. That’s tournament football for you. It loves messing with our bet predictions, laughing at our "safe" betting tips, and humbling anyone who thinks they’re a Bet Wizard.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. The group stages are over, the knockout matchups are set to begin, and—after watching every twist so far—I have picked up on a few trends that could save your bets (and your sanity). Maybe you missed them in the chaos, but that’s why I’m here: to point out what matters before the real drama begins.
This isn’t about flashy gimmicks or pretending to have a magic bet code. It’s about spotting what’s actually happening on the pitch and using it to make smarter moves. I’ve broken it down into three key takeaways—no jargon, no hype, just stuff that’ll help you stay ahead. So if you’re tired of surprises wrecking your online sports betting plans, let’s fix that. Ready?
Underrate the Brazilians at your Peril
Brazilian teams have been the standout performers of this tournament, and their dominance shouldn’t come as a surprise. Six South American teams entered: four from Brazil, two from Argentina. While both Argentine clubs crashed out early, all four Brazilian sides marched through the group stage, in style. More impressive than their superiority over South American rivals, however, was how they went toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite. Three remain unbeaten, two topped their groups, and Botafogo delivered the biggest shock so far by beating PSG. Suddenly, Brazil’s six-year Copa Libertadores dominance makes perfect sense—their clubs are this close to Europe’s best.
Now, the knockout stage guarantees fireworks. Two Brazilian giants—Botafogo and Palmeiras—will face off, meaning at least one exits early. But it also locks in a Brazilian quarter finalist. The other two face off against big European opposition; Fluminense take on Inter Milan, while Flamengo battle Bayern. And here’s why that’s intriguing: so far, these two Brazilian teams haven’t lost to European opposition. Fluminense held Dortmund and Flamengo downed Chelsea. Both will smell blood as they come up against two teams that have shown some weakness. Bayern, fresh off a shaky loss to Benfica, look vulnerable against Filipe Luís’s slick Flamengo side. Inter, who had to come back from a goal down against two opponents in the group stage, are up against a gritty Fluminense who drew two of their three group stage games 0-0.
Jola’s Tip: Steer clear of 90-minute result bets in these Brazil vs. Europe clashes. Even the goals market is risky—when the pressure’s on, these Brazilian sides have shown they’re happy to grind out 0-0 stalemates. Patience pays here; wait for live opportunities instead of forcing pre-match picks. But if you must, explore the 1UP Early Payout option.
- Bet on Bayern 1UP @ 1.36 Odds
- Bet on Inter 1Up @ 1.44 Odds
- Bet on Palmeira vs Botafogo GG @ 2.05 Odds
Lionel Messi’s Free Kicks are like Penalties
Inter Miami came agonizingly close to securing a favorable knockout-round path. Leading Palmeiras 2-0 with just 12 minutes left, they needed only to hold on to win their group. Instead, they collapsed—conceding twice to drop into a nightmare Round of 16 matchup against European champions PSG.
When this tournament began, few gave Inter Miami any hope. Javier Mascherano's side had looked disjointed all season, and their aging core—led by 36-year-old Lionel Messi—seemed ill-equipped for elite competition. Yet against all odds, they battled past Al Ahly, shocked Porto (becoming the first MLS team ever to defeat a European side in competitive play), and drew Palmeiras to advance. The difference-maker? Messi's dead-ball brilliance, with his stunning free kick delivering the winner against Porto.
This raised questions during the Palmeiras collapse: Why wasn't Messi substituted at 2-0 up, when fresh legs might have helped defend the lead? The answer lies in his unparalleled set-piece threat. Of his four tournament free kicks, one found the net and another rattled the woodwork (including a near-miss against Al Ahly). While he can't press like younger players, his wand of a left foot remains Inter Miami's ultimate equaliser.
Now facing PSG, expectations couldn't be lower. But if there's any path to a miracle, it runs through Messi standing over a free kick 25 yards from goal. For bettors, this presents an intriguing angle: even in a likely defeat, backing Messi to score (via free kick or otherwise) offers value.
Jola's Tip: Consider "Messi Anytime Goalscorer" markets—PSG may dominate, but discounting the magician's moment of genius could prove costly.
- Bet on Lionel Messi Anytime Goalscorer @ 3.70 Odds
- Bet on PSG vs Inter Miami GG @ 1.73 Odds
- Bet on Inter Miami Over 0.5 goals @ 1.68 Odds
Manchester City are back
Just months ago, Manchester City’s season appeared to be unraveling in uncharacteristic fashion. For the first time since Pep Guardiola’s first season, the club finished a campaign without silverware—a disappointing outcome that sparked premature declarations of their decline. But football’s narrative can shift dramatically, and City’s performances at this tournament have served as a powerful reminder of their enduring quality.
The transformation has been striking. Strategic summer signings—Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki—have injected fresh energy into the squad, while the return of Rodri, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, has solidified their midfield. Equally significant has been the revamped coaching staff, with the additions of Pep Lijnders (Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant), Kolo Touré, and set-piece specialist James French. The impact is evident: City now look like a team reborn, with depth so formidable they could field two competitive lineups. And, of course, Guardiola remains at the helm, a constant guarantee of tactical innovation and high standards.
Early group-stage victories, including an 8-0 aggregate scoreline against weaker opponents, hinted at their resurgence. But it was their emphatic 5-2 dismantling of Juventus, a side that had previously dominated the same group opponents with a 9-1 combined score, that announced City’s return to elite form. The win also secured a favourable knockout path, avoiding heavyweights like PSG, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. While Chelsea and Inter Milan still loom on their side of the draw, neither seems as daunting as they might have a few weeks ago.
It’s clear that goals will follow this City side. Their attack is firing on all cylinders, and the midfield, once vulnerable to being overrun, now boasts the physicality and creativity to control games. Their Round of 16 opponent, Al-Hilal, presents an interesting challenge. The Saudi side emerged unbeaten from a group featuring Real Madrid and RB Salzburg, conceding just once in three games. Yet for all their defensive solidity, Al-Hilal’s backline is unlikely to withstand City’s relentless attacking waves. Erling Haaland particularly looks sharp.
Jola’s Tip: Manchester City’s matches have become a goldmine for goals-related markets. Whether it’s over/odds or goal scorers, backing their offensive firepower remains a smart play. This is a team scoring for fun and showing no signs of slowing down.
Jola’s Banker Tip
My final tip is my Banker Bet of the Day, so this is the one you should pay the most attention to. Don't overlook Benfica. After a shaky first half in their opener, they've grown stronger - battling to a draw with 10 men in that game, destroying Auckland City in their second game 6-0 before stunning Bayern to top their group. Veteran stars Di María and Otamendi have been outstanding, bringing leadership and quality when it matters most.
Now facing Chelsea, expect Benfica to pose real danger. They've scored in every match so far and will likely adopt a smart counterattacking approach, absorbing pressure before striking on the break. Chelsea's defense will be tested.
I am tipping Benfica to score against Chelsea. Their attacking consistency makes this the safest pick of the day. Whether they win or lose, they're almost certain to find the net.
Like I have been saying, BetKing is the ultimate destination for Club World Cup betting. Enjoy boosted odds and exclusive offers on Africa's top betting platform. Don't miss out; the best of all betting apps in Nigeria will continue to deliver! If you don’t have an account yet, Sign Up now and start placing those bets!
Tournaments like the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup never play by the rules. Just when you think you have it all figured out, some underdog stuns a giant, a bet you were certain about crumbles, and suddenly, your "lock" of the week looks like a bad joke. Sound familiar? Exactly. That’s tournament football for you. It loves messing with our bet predictions, laughing at our "safe" betting tips, and humbling anyone who thinks they’re a Bet Wizard.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. The group stages are over, the knockout matchups are set to begin, and—after watching every twist so far—I have picked up on a few trends that could save your bets (and your sanity). Maybe you missed them in the chaos, but that’s why I’m here: to point out what matters before the real drama begins.
This isn’t about flashy gimmicks or pretending to have a magic bet code. It’s about spotting what’s actually happening on the pitch and using it to make smarter moves. I’ve broken it down into three key takeaways—no jargon, no hype, just stuff that’ll help you stay ahead. So if you’re tired of surprises wrecking your online sports betting plans, let’s fix that. Ready?
Underrate the Brazilians at your Peril
Brazilian teams have been the standout performers of this tournament, and their dominance shouldn’t come as a surprise. Six South American teams entered: four from Brazil, two from Argentina. While both Argentine clubs crashed out early, all four Brazilian sides marched through the group stage, in style. More impressive than their superiority over South American rivals, however, was how they went toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite. Three remain unbeaten, two topped their groups, and Botafogo delivered the biggest shock so far by beating PSG. Suddenly, Brazil’s six-year Copa Libertadores dominance makes perfect sense—their clubs are this close to Europe’s best.
Now, the knockout stage guarantees fireworks. Two Brazilian giants—Botafogo and Palmeiras—will face off, meaning at least one exits early. But it also locks in a Brazilian quarter finalist. The other two face off against big European opposition; Fluminense take on Inter Milan, while Flamengo battle Bayern. And here’s why that’s intriguing: so far, these two Brazilian teams haven’t lost to European opposition. Fluminense held Dortmund and Flamengo downed Chelsea. Both will smell blood as they come up against two teams that have shown some weakness. Bayern, fresh off a shaky loss to Benfica, look vulnerable against Filipe Luís’s slick Flamengo side. Inter, who had to come back from a goal down against two opponents in the group stage, are up against a gritty Fluminense who drew two of their three group stage games 0-0.
Jola’s Tip: Steer clear of 90-minute result bets in these Brazil vs. Europe clashes. Even the goals market is risky—when the pressure’s on, these Brazilian sides have shown they’re happy to grind out 0-0 stalemates. Patience pays here; wait for live opportunities instead of forcing pre-match picks. But if you must, explore the 1UP Early Payout option.
- Bet on Bayern 1UP @ 1.36 Odds
- Bet on Inter 1Up @ 1.44 Odds
- Bet on Palmeira vs Botafogo GG @ 2.05 Odds
Lionel Messi’s Free Kicks are like Penalties
Inter Miami came agonizingly close to securing a favorable knockout-round path. Leading Palmeiras 2-0 with just 12 minutes left, they needed only to hold on to win their group. Instead, they collapsed—conceding twice to drop into a nightmare Round of 16 matchup against European champions PSG.
When this tournament began, few gave Inter Miami any hope. Javier Mascherano's side had looked disjointed all season, and their aging core—led by 36-year-old Lionel Messi—seemed ill-equipped for elite competition. Yet against all odds, they battled past Al Ahly, shocked Porto (becoming the first MLS team ever to defeat a European side in competitive play), and drew Palmeiras to advance. The difference-maker? Messi's dead-ball brilliance, with his stunning free kick delivering the winner against Porto.
This raised questions during the Palmeiras collapse: Why wasn't Messi substituted at 2-0 up, when fresh legs might have helped defend the lead? The answer lies in his unparalleled set-piece threat. Of his four tournament free kicks, one found the net and another rattled the woodwork (including a near-miss against Al Ahly). While he can't press like younger players, his wand of a left foot remains Inter Miami's ultimate equaliser.
Now facing PSG, expectations couldn't be lower. But if there's any path to a miracle, it runs through Messi standing over a free kick 25 yards from goal. For bettors, this presents an intriguing angle: even in a likely defeat, backing Messi to score (via free kick or otherwise) offers value.
Jola's Tip: Consider "Messi Anytime Goalscorer" markets—PSG may dominate, but discounting the magician's moment of genius could prove costly.
- Bet on Lionel Messi Anytime Goalscorer @ 3.70 Odds
- Bet on PSG vs Inter Miami GG @ 1.73 Odds
- Bet on Inter Miami Over 0.5 goals @ 1.68 Odds
Manchester City are back
Just months ago, Manchester City’s season appeared to be unraveling in uncharacteristic fashion. For the first time since Pep Guardiola’s first season, the club finished a campaign without silverware—a disappointing outcome that sparked premature declarations of their decline. But football’s narrative can shift dramatically, and City’s performances at this tournament have served as a powerful reminder of their enduring quality.
The transformation has been striking. Strategic summer signings—Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki—have injected fresh energy into the squad, while the return of Rodri, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, has solidified their midfield. Equally significant has been the revamped coaching staff, with the additions of Pep Lijnders (Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant), Kolo Touré, and set-piece specialist James French. The impact is evident: City now look like a team reborn, with depth so formidable they could field two competitive lineups. And, of course, Guardiola remains at the helm, a constant guarantee of tactical innovation and high standards.
Early group-stage victories, including an 8-0 aggregate scoreline against weaker opponents, hinted at their resurgence. But it was their emphatic 5-2 dismantling of Juventus, a side that had previously dominated the same group opponents with a 9-1 combined score, that announced City’s return to elite form. The win also secured a favourable knockout path, avoiding heavyweights like PSG, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. While Chelsea and Inter Milan still loom on their side of the draw, neither seems as daunting as they might have a few weeks ago.
It’s clear that goals will follow this City side. Their attack is firing on all cylinders, and the midfield, once vulnerable to being overrun, now boasts the physicality and creativity to control games. Their Round of 16 opponent, Al-Hilal, presents an interesting challenge. The Saudi side emerged unbeaten from a group featuring Real Madrid and RB Salzburg, conceding just once in three games. Yet for all their defensive solidity, Al-Hilal’s backline is unlikely to withstand City’s relentless attacking waves. Erling Haaland particularly looks sharp.
Jola’s Tip: Manchester City’s matches have become a goldmine for goals-related markets. Whether it’s over/odds or goal scorers, backing their offensive firepower remains a smart play. This is a team scoring for fun and showing no signs of slowing down.
Jola’s Banker Tip
My final tip is my Banker Bet of the Day, so this is the one you should pay the most attention to. Don't overlook Benfica. After a shaky first half in their opener, they've grown stronger - battling to a draw with 10 men in that game, destroying Auckland City in their second game 6-0 before stunning Bayern to top their group. Veteran stars Di María and Otamendi have been outstanding, bringing leadership and quality when it matters most.
Now facing Chelsea, expect Benfica to pose real danger. They've scored in every match so far and will likely adopt a smart counterattacking approach, absorbing pressure before striking on the break. Chelsea's defense will be tested.
I am tipping Benfica to score against Chelsea. Their attacking consistency makes this the safest pick of the day. Whether they win or lose, they're almost certain to find the net.
Like I have been saying, BetKing is the ultimate destination for Club World Cup betting. Enjoy boosted odds and exclusive offers on Africa's top betting platform. Don't miss out; the best of all betting apps in Nigeria will continue to deliver! If you don’t have an account yet, Sign Up now and start placing those bets!