Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, expressed great pride in the team’s performance following their commanding 5-2 victory against Juventus in the FIFA Club World Cup. Guardiola noted that this match showcased the team’s best football in quite some time, highlighting the strength of their squad led by star striker Erling Haaland.
As the FIFA Club World Cup heads into the knockout stages, it’s evident that some of Europe’s top clubs are viewed favorably. However, the tournament’s popularity in the United States appears to be mixed, particularly in relation to sports betting statistics. Manchester City is currently the favorite to win the tournament at +275, yet their popularity among bettors is surprisingly subdued, attracting only 12% of the total bets at DraftKings.
In contrast, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), another powerhouse club, is experiencing significant backing, leading in betting shares with 27% at DraftKings. PSG is set to clash with Inter Miami on Sunday, a match drawing considerable attention due to Lionel Messi’s involvement. Currently, PSG is favored at -500, with 80.2% of the betting handle supporting them.
Other clubs attracting attention include Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, with Real Madrid holding the title of most popular pick by handle. It’s also worth noting that the overall betting handle for the Club World Cup has not reached the levels seen in other major soccer events, suggesting that the tournament is still finding its footing in the U.S. betting landscape.
While concerns about the Club World Cup’s popularity and betting engagement are valid, it’s essential to recognize the changing dynamics in soccer popularity in North America, especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The Club World Cup is only beginning to expand its reach, and it may draw more interest as soccer continues to grow in the U.S.
This situation offers hope that with time, as the popularity of soccer builds, both the viewership and betting engagement will reflect the sport’s global standing.