FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Messi Magic, and World Cup Warning Signs from Group Stage

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 cameras, mirroring the grandeur of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have hailed the tournament as "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride," uniting clubs, players, and fans through their shared love for the sport. With numerous debutants and a month-long schedule, the competition has undeniably grown in significance.

Featuring teams from all six confederations – 12 from Europe, 6 from South America, 4 each from Africa, Asia, and North/Central America and the Caribbean, 1 from Oceania, and the host nation – the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises high-stakes action. As the group stage concludes and the final 16 teams prepare for the knockout rounds, the tournament has already produced its share of upsets, captivating underdog stories, and intense rivalries.

Auckland City's Unlikely Stand

Auckland City, ranked 4,971st in the Opta Power Rankings, entered the Club World Cup as the lowest-ranked team. Drawn into a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors, their prospects appeared bleak. The team, comprised of amateur players from New Zealand's Northern League, faced a daunting challenge.

Their tournament began with a crushing 0-10 defeat against Bayern Munich, the largest margin of victory in the competition. This was followed by a 0-6 loss to Benfica. However, despite being eliminated, Auckland City faced Argentinian powerhouse Boca Juniors in their final match. Against all odds, the underdogs secured a 1-1 draw, denying Boca Juniors a place in the Round of 16. The result, a triumph of determination over experience, highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami defied expectations in Group A, which also included Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras. Despite facing tough competition, Inter Miami, bolstered by the likes of Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, secured a spot in the Round of 16 by finishing second in their group.

After a draw against Al Ahly, Inter Miami faced Porto in a crucial match. Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a stunning free-kick, led to a 2-1 victory. A 2-2 draw against Palmeiras in their final group game sealed their place in the next round.

On-Field Tensions and Off-Field Concerns

The Club World Cup has not been without its drama. Tensions flared during the final matchday in Group E, where River Plate's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries nearly engaged in a physical altercation. The incident, stemming from a previous encounter at the 2022 World Cup, required intervention from both teams' staff.

Extreme heat and weather conditions also impacted the tournament. Teams resorted to ice baths and cold towels to cool down players. Borussia Dortmund even had their substitutes watch the game from the locker room to protect them from the heat, which their coach described as "sauna-like". Thunderstorms caused delays in several matches.

Beyond the field, the presence of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) added another layer to the tournament, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend games.

Concerns Arise Ahead of 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 exposed potential challenges. Pitch quality and weather conditions have been significant concerns.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham criticized the poor pitch conditions, stating, "The pitches aren’t great here. The pitches aren’t great at all."

Familiar Faces Remain in Contention

Despite the surprises and underdog stories, the tournament remains a battleground for Europe's elite clubs. Teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still considered frontrunners for the title. However, several teams, including Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca, were eliminated without earning a single point.

Qualified Teams for Round of 16

Here are the teams that have advanced to the 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