FIFA Club World Cup: Betting Insights
As the knockout rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup unfold, several top European clubs are generating buzz among fans. However, the overall enthusiasm for the tournament in the United States appears limited, particularly in the realm of sports betting.
Current Favorites and Betting Trends
Manchester City is currently pegged as the frontrunner to clinch the championship, with betting odds from ESPN BET listing them at +275. Despite their status as favorites, they have not captured much interest from bettors, only securing 12% of total bets and handle at DraftKings, where they rank third.
In contrast, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has emerged as a more favored choice for punters, securing 27% at DraftKings and 23.8% at BetMGM. They have witnessed a significant shift in odds from +1200 at opening to +300 as they enter the round of 16, just behind City on the betting leaderboard.
Upcoming Matchup: PSG vs. Inter Miami
On the verge of an exciting matchup, PSG will face off against Inter Miami, featuring former star Lionel Messi. This game is anticipated to be a highlight of the tournament, with ESPN BET listing PSG as a strong -500 favorite, while Inter Miami holds odds at +850 and a draw sits at +550.
Notably, PSG has garnered substantial backing, accounting for an impressive 80.2% of the total handle, while the draw has attracted a mere 5.5%.
Though Messi’s Inter Miami is considered a significant underdog at 80-1 to win the tournament, its connection to the global icon has driven interest, posing a risk for sportsbooks due to its popularity despite long odds.
Other Teams in the Mix
Other teams gaining traction among bettors include Real Madrid, listed at +450, and Bayern Munich at +700. Real Madrid is the most popular pick across both ESPN BET and FanDuel, each with 31% of the betting handle, while Bayern trails as BetMGM’s top liability at 22% of total stakes.
Overall Betting Volume and Future Implications
However, the overall betting volume for the Club World Cup has been underwhelming, with sportsbook representatives indicating that its appeal has not matched that of other prominent soccer events this year. In fact, the betting activity for some matches falls short even when compared to summer MLB and WNBA games.
While this may raise concerns regarding the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America, it’s crucial to remember that this year’s Club World Cup is debuting with expanded significance. The previous two World Cups faced challenges as well: 2018 coincided with the early days of legal sports betting in the U.S., and the autumn hosting in 2022 conflicted with the height of the football season, possibly impacting their betting appeal.
