FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Underdogs, and European Giants Clash in Group Stage Drama

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its revamped format, has delivered a captivating group stage filled with unexpected results and compelling narratives. This edition, hosted in the United States, boasts an expanded field of teams, a redesigned trophy, multiple venues, and even referee cams, elevating the tournament closer to the prestige of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have lauded the event as "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride," uniting clubs, players, and fans through their shared passion for the sport. The inclusion of debutant teams and the tournament's month-long duration have significantly enhanced its prominence.

Representing all six confederations, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features 12 teams from Europe, 6 from South America, 4 each from Africa, Asia, and North/Central America and the Caribbean, 1 from Oceania, and 1 from the host nation.

With the group stage concluded and the Round of 16 set, this year's competition has witnessed its share of surprises, underdog triumphs, and intense clashes, both on and off the field.

Auckland City's Unlikely Stand

Auckland City, ranked 4,971st by Opta Power Rankings, entered the Club World Cup as the lowest-ranked team. Placed in a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors, their chances appeared slim. Notably, Auckland City's roster consists of amateur players competing in New Zealand's Northern League, a competition with only 12 teams.

Their campaign began with a harsh 0-10 defeat to Bayern Munich, the tournament's largest margin of victory, followed by a 0-6 loss to Benfica.

Facing Argentinian powerhouse Boca Juniors in their final match, Auckland City, already eliminated, defied expectations. In a classic David-vs-Goliath scenario, the amateurs held Boca to a 1-1 draw, preventing the Argentinians from reaching the Round of 16. The result was made even more remarkable by the 4,819 ranking points separating the two teams.

Messi and Inter Miami Surge into the Round of 16

Despite being drawn alongside formidable opponents like Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami defied predictions to secure a spot in the Round of 16, finishing second in Group A.

Spearheaded by Messi and supported by former Barcelona stars Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami managed a crucial victory and two draws to advance. A standout performance against Porto saw Messi score a stunning free-kick, securing a 2-1 win. A 2-2 draw against Palmeiras sealed their progression to the next stage.

Tensions Flare and Heat Takes Its Toll

The final matchday of Group E witnessed a heated encounter between River Plate and Inter Milan, with River needing a win to advance. Following the final whistle, tensions escalated between River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries, requiring intervention from teammates and staff. The animosity stemmed from a previous encounter three years prior, with Acuna taunting Dumfries with a reference to Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final.

Extreme heat also played a significant role, with teams employing ice baths and cold towels to combat the conditions. Borussia Dortmund even took the unusual step of having substitutes watch their match against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to shield them from the heat. Thunderstorms caused delays in at least five matches.

Furthermore, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have a visible presence at the tournament, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend games.

Concerns Emerge Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, less than a year away, the Club World Cup has highlighted several potential challenges. Pitch quality and extreme weather conditions have been significant concerns.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham criticized the pitch conditions, stating, "The pitches aren’t great here. The pitches aren’t great at all," after his team's match against Pachuca in Charlotte.

Familiar Faces Remain in Contention

Despite the surprises and underdog stories, the FIFA Club World Cup remains a platform for Europe's elite clubs. Giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still among the favorites to lift the trophy. However, teams like Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca were eliminated without earning a single point.

Qualified Teams for Round of 16

• Group A: Palmeiras, Inter Miami
• Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo
• Group C: Bayern Munich, Benfica
• Group D: Flamengo, Chelsea
• Group E: Inter Milan, Monterrey
• Group F: Borussia Dortmund, Fluminense
• Group G: Manchester City, Juventus
• Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal