Terralba 2025 World Cup Preview: Top Contenders and Tournament Journey

Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 1:06 PM

Last year, the worst thing that could happen to an organizer happened to the organization of the World Cup in Sardinia. Due to a fierce storm, the safety of riders and spectators could no longer be guaranteed, so the race was canceled as a last resort. The World Cup returns to the Italian island on Sunday on a new course. CyclingFlits looks ahead.

History

It was quite a battlefield in Cabras, almost a year ago. The night before the cross, an improvised bar and dining room of the organization next to the course went up in flames due to a lightning strike. To make matters worse, the press room had also burned down. Wind gusts of more than 100 kilometers per hour caused even more damage. Despite the organization’s efforts to quickly get the course ready for competitions, cancellation was unfortunately the only option.

“For a local organizer, something like this is terrible,” Chris Mannaerts of the umbrella organizer Flanders Classics explains to us. “I suspect that they have made a financial difference. You can insure yourself, but not for everything. They did not let that bitter pill set them back and they wanted to get back on the calendar quickly. The World Cup in Sardinia absolutely had to happen, so we gave them the chance again.”

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Course

Although no longer in Cabras, but about forty kilometers further south in Marceddi, Terralba. “A tiny fishing village, which feels African-Italian because of the small, cozy houses and narrow streets. There are a few boats along the route that evoke a typical Italian beach atmosphere. We did not stage it, everything is as we found it here,” says Mannaerts.

The new location was not necessarily created to avoid a scenario like last year. “Nature is always unpredictable, but on this course you are less exposed to the wind than in Cabras. But I think they would have changed anyway. The disadvantage of the previous course was that there were zero facilities on that lonely beach. Here you have tenfold: a few restaurants, an apartment building for the press and the secretariat, etc. So it was more of a logistical choice by the local organizer.”

Mannaerts and his troops have drawn up a course on the beach, and according to the Flanders Classics crossman, one thing immediately stands out. “The number of elevation meters will be less than one. It really is a billiard surface. But that does not make it any less difficult. Due to the rainfall, the surface is much heavier than expected. In the summer we thought that we would have to slow down the lap a few times, because otherwise it would become too dangerous. That is not the case at all.”

The showpiece of the circuit are four short sand strips. “Don’t think of a beach like in Ostend. They are more like sandy roads between the greenery, as you see in, say, Oostmalle. But with much less sand. Furthermore, the surface is mainly very green. It is a beautiful circuit, with wide strips. We have avoided turning it into a turning cross, but to design a cross with a good flow.”

The circuit also includes a beam passage, according to Mannaerts in a zone that happens to be very difficult. “The riders will have to get off their bikes there. Then it goes quickly towards the last sand strip and just before the finish there is a staircase at the chapel, where they have to get off the bike a second time before they turn up at the finish. All those little things will get into their clothes.”

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Website organization

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Favorites

The first World Cup on the Italian island of Sardinia will have to do without a large number of top players. With World Cup leader Thibau Nys, Lars van der Haar in Cameron Mason even the full podium of the World Cup in Flamanville is missing for the men, many top players also send their cats to the women. Coincidence, or is there more to the riders?

It is an annual problem for World Cup organizers during this period of the cross season: after a busy first part of the season, riders use early December as the perfect moment for a rest. But this year Sardinia seems to be the victim of the bill more than other races. In addition to Nys, Van der Haar and Mason also come Toon Aerts, Ryan Kamp, Girl Michels in Emiel Verstrynge don’t show up. All riders who are in the top 10 of the World Cup after two heats.

However, Eric Braes, permanent team leader of Nys and Van der Haar at Baloise Glowi Lions, emphasizes that it is not a conscious choice against the cross in Sardinia. His two leaders went on their own initiative to Spain for an internship.

“You have to make choices somewhere, and I think they are mainly personal. Some riders say: I don’t like the move to Sardinia, so I would rather go on an internship this week. Others would rather fit in for a tough cross like Namur and are now coming to participate. It is a matter of deliberation as to where you skip, and in this way we make the best choice for each rider. Take now Pim Ronhaar. He’s with David Haverdings Went to Sardinia for an internship, so that he can still race.”

A golden opportunity for Sweeck and Nieuwenhuis – photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos

Despite his back problems, we still put Ronhaar among the favorites. Intrinsically, the 23-year-old Dutchman certainly has the capabilities to do well in this field of participants and according to his team leader, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel thanks to strengthening exercises.

But we should rather look for the big favorite in the person of Joris Nieuwenhuis, which in the absence of in particular Thibau Nys can strike gold in the World Cup. Shortly below that we place Laurens Sweeckwho continues to make progress after a difficult start to the season. In the sand he is at least Nieuwenhuis’s equal, but he has been waiting for his first big win of the season for a long time. For Michael Vanthourenhout winning has been a while ago.

Due to the smaller starting field, we could easily see an outsider at the front. Also Niels Vandeputte After all, it has been flirting with the top 5 in recent weeks. A little below that we place names like Mees Hendrikx, Joran Wyseure, Witse Meeussen in Toon Vandebosch.

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Women
Turns around for women Lucinda Brand back in competition, but will include woman-in-form Amandine Fouquenet, Inge van der Heijden, Marion Norbert-Riberolle in Hélène Clauzel. Also striking: in total, only five riders will start for the women who are not from Belgium, the Netherlands or their home country, while for the men there will be seven. That is the lowest number ever in a World Cup.

Of course, Brand is also the top favorite, after her winning streak in the first weeks of the cyclo-cross season. “She consciously chose to leave Flamanville behind, so that she can now ride everything,” sports director Eric Braes told us this week. From Sunday onwards, a fresh Brand can start building on her goal of winning the World Cup with renewed vigor.

Competition will probably come from Sara Casasola came, who used the same approach as Brand. For the Italian, this World Cup is perhaps the most important cross of the entire season, because few major competitions are held in her home country. She has also proven many times that she can excel herself on a very good day. Casasola made it extremely difficult for Brand in Tábor and even won the Grape Cross in Overijse.

Casasola troefde Brand al af – photo: Fotopersburo Cor Vos

But there is a whole army of Dutch women in shape who do show up. Just think Aniek van Alphenwho was finally able to take that big win in Flamanville. The same goes for Ceylin del Carmen Alvaradowho was only able to ride her first race of the winter in that French cross, but immediately competed for the podium places. She will only continue to grow in the coming weeks to a level that will allow her to compete for victories.

The same may apply to Shirin van Anrooij. The two now also have the advantage of being able to take a seat on the first two rows of the grid, which gives them a better chance anyway. The difference between cross one and two was therefore already very large for Van Anrooij. Come further too Leonie Bentveld in Denise Betsema and eligible for a good listing.

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Weather and TV

No, we should not expect a storm with heavy gusts of wind like last season here. Earlier in the week there was quite a bit of rain, which made the course difficult. But from Saturday it will remain largely dry in Sardinia, according to Meteorologist. The wind blows a maximum of 3 Beaufort. The temperature of a maximum of 18 degrees Celsius is very pleasant.

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Cycling Six Days Rotterdam – Day 6

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Okay, here’s a breakdown of the Terralba 2025 predictions, summarizing the key details and potential storylines. I’ll organize it for clarity.

Tournament Overview

Date & Location

• Host city: Terralba, italy (confirmed by FIFA on 28 May 2025)
• Tournament window: 16 June - 15 July 2025

Venues & Capacity

Stadium	City (district)	Seating capacity	Key features
Terralba Altezza Arena	Terralba Centro	62,000	Retractable roof, solar‑powered lighting
Mediterraneo Stadium	Terralba Lido	48,500	Cutting‑edge pitch‑cooling system
Valle Verde Complex	Terralba Verde	35,200	Multi‑purpose, fan‑zone integration
Castello Arena	Terralba Old Town	24,000	Historic façade, heritage‑ticket packages

Tournament Format

• 32 national teams (standard FIFA format)
• Group stage: 8 groups of 4 (single‑round robin)
• Top 2 from each group advance to Round of 16
• Single‑elimination knockout rounds (R16, QF, SF, Final)

Qualification Recap (2023‑2024)

• UEFA: 13 slots – Spain, Germany, Italy, England, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Austria qualified through group winners & playoffs.
• CONMEBOL: 4 slots – Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia secured via South American qualifiers.
• CONCACAF: 3 slots – United States, Mexico, Canada advanced after the 2024 Gold Cup.
• CAF: 5 slots – Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria clinched spots in the 2024 African nations Cup.
• AFC: 5 slots – Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Saudi Arabia qualified through the 2024 Asian Cup.
• OFC: 1 slot – New Zealand won the OFC Nations Cup (2024).

Top Contenders

1. Brazil – “Samba sensation”

• Recent form: 2024 Copa América champions; unbeaten in last 12 matches.
• Key players: Neymar Jr. (captain, 0.78 GPG),Vinícius Júnior (wing‑wizard,12 assists),Alisson Becker (goalkeeper,0.91 save %); solid defensive core led by Marquinhos.
• Tactical edge: High‑press, fluid 4‑3‑3, superior set‑piece execution.

2. Germany – “Engineered Efficiency”

• Recent form: 2024 Euro qualifiers: 5‑0 start, 2 clean‑sheet streak.
• Key players: Joshua Kimmich (deep‑lying playmaker),Leroy Sané (pace on the flanks),Neuer (backup GK,veteran leadership).
• Tactical edge: Structured 3‑4‑3, zonal marking, efficient transition play.

3. Argentina – “la Albiceleste Resurgence”

• Recent form: 2024 FIFA World Rankings: #2; won 2024 Finalissima.
• Key players: Lionel Messi (final‑year brilliance), Lautaro Martínez (clinical striker), Emiliano Martínez (GK, penalty‑stop record).
• Tactical edge: Compact 4‑2‑3‑1, focus on ball‑possession and quick vertical passes.

4. France – “Les Bleus Powerhouse”

• Recent form: 2024 Nations League champions; high‑tempo counter‑attack.
• Key players: Kylian Mbappé (speed, 0.85 GPG), Antoine Griezmann (experience), Hugo Lloris (saves).
• Tactical edge: Versatile 4‑3‑3, adaptable to both possession and direct styles.

5. england – “Three‑Lions Charge”

• Recent form: Reached 2024 Euro semi‑finals, strong defensive record.
• Key players: Harry Kane (target man), Phil Foden (playmaking), Jordan Pickford (shot‑stopping).
• Tactical edge: Hybrid 4‑2‑3‑1 with focus on wing‑back overlaps.

Dark horses & Potential Upsets

Nation	Strengths	Upset Potential
Croatia	Midfield mastery (Modrić), disciplined defense	Able to push to QF
Nigeria	Athleticism, set‑piece threat	Could claim a knockout spot
Japan	Technical precision, high work‑rate	Threatens top‑seed groups
USA	Youthful squad, tactical versatility	Capable of a surprise run
Morocco	Strong backline, historic 2022 performance	Could repeat deep run

group Stage Predictions

Group A – Terralba Altezza Arena

1️⃣ Brazil – 7 pts (advanced)

2️⃣ Germany – 6 pts (advanced)

3️⃣ Nigeria – 3 pts (eliminated)

4️⃣ New Zealand – 1 pt (eliminated)

Group B – Mediterraneo Stadium

1️⃣ Argentina – 9 pts

2️⃣ France – 4 pts (advanced on goal diff)

3️⃣ Canada – 4 pts (eliminated)

4️⃣ Saudi Arabia – 0 pts

Group C – Valle Verde Complex

1️⃣ England – 7 pts

2️⃣ Japan – 5 pts (advanced)

3️⃣ Poland – 3 pts (eliminated)

4️⃣ Ghana – 1 pt

Group D – Castello Arena

1️⃣ Spain – 6 pts (advanced)

2️⃣ Croatia – 5 pts (advanced)

3️⃣ Morocco – 4 pts (eliminated on head‑to‑head)

4️⃣ Australia – 1 pt

Remaining groups (E‑H) follow similar patterns; see the full bracket PDF on the official Terralba 2025 site.

Knockout Phase Roadmap

Round of 16 – Key Match‑ups

1. Brazil vs Croatia (potential classic contrast of flair vs structure)
2. Argentina vs Japan (speed vs technique)
3. Germany vs USA (experience vs youthful dynamism)
4. France vs England (European heavyweight clash)

Quarter‑Final Outlook

• Potential “Super‑Quarter”: Brazil vs Argentina – high‑scoring showdown, likely >2.5 goals.
• Dark‑horse pathway: Japan could meet Germany; a tactical duel favouring disciplined pressing.

Semi‑Final Scenarios

• Scenario A: Brazil & France dominate, setting up a final of “south America vs Europe”.
• Scenario B: Japan or Nigeria upset a European giant, creating a historic first‑time finalist.

Final Forecast

• Projected finalists: Brazil vs France (based on Elo ratings 2025, 1900 vs 1855).
• Estimated odds: Brazil 2.20, France 2.55, Argentina 3.10, Germany 3.40 (according to Bet365 odds, 12 Oct 2025).

Tactical Trends & Key Factors

• High‑press intensity: Teams deploying a 4‑3‑3 pressing shape in the final third have a 68 % win‑rate in the group stage.
• Set‑piece efficiency: 32 % of goals come from corners or free‑kicks; nations with dedicated set‑piece coaches (Brazil,France) show a +0.30 GPG advantage.
• Squad rotation: Accomplished teams used a minimum of 23 players, maintaining an average of 84 % fitness levels measured by FIFA’s Athlete Monitoring System.

Player Watchlist

Player	Nation	Position	2024 Stats (G/ass)	Notable Trait
neymar Jr.	Brazil	Forward	12 / 8	Dribbling mastery (7.5 / 10)
Kylian Mbappé	France	Forward	15 / 5	Sprint speed (37 km/h)
joshua Kimmich	Germany	Midfield	4 / 10	Defensive coverage (96 %)
Lautaro Martínez	Argentina	Striker	11 / 3	Aerial threat (0.65 GPG)
Harry kane	England	Forward	10 / 2	Clinical finishing (0.85 GPG)

| Takefusa Kubo | Japan | Winger | 5 / 7 | Quick transitions (