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

Club World Cup 2025: Unexpected Twists and Turns in Group Stage

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its revamped format, has delivered a series of compelling narratives as it advances towards the Round of 16. With an expanded number of participating teams, a redesigned trophy, multiple host cities, and the innovative referee cam, this edition held in the United States is 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. The extended duration of the competition, now spanning a month, and the inclusion of several debutant teams have significantly elevated its status.

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 representative – the 2025 Club World Cup has already witnessed its share of upsets, David vs. Goliath clashes, and intense moments.

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. They found themselves in a group with powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors. The New Zealand-based club, composed of amateur players from the 12-team Northern League, faced a daunting challenge.

Their tournament began with a humbling 0-10 defeat to Bayern Munich, the largest margin of victory in the competition, followed by a 0-6 loss to Benfica.

Facing Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in their final match, Auckland City defied expectations. In a classic underdog story, the amateurs held Boca to a 1-1 draw, denying them a crucial spot in the Round of 16. The result was particularly remarkable given the 4,819-point ranking difference between the two teams.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance to the Round of 16

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, despite being grouped with formidable opponents such as Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, secured a place in the Round of 16, finishing second in Group A. Led by Messi and supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, the team defied expectations.

Although Miami managed only one win, it proved sufficient to advance. After a draw against Al Ahly in their opening match, they faced Porto. Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a stunning free-kick, led Miami to a 2-1 victory. A 2-2 draw against Palmeiras in their final group game sealed their spot in the next round.

Tensions Flare Amidst 'Heated' Conditions

The final matchday in Group E saw tensions escalate as River Plate's hopes of reaching the Round of 16 were dashed by Inter Milan. The final whistle sparked a confrontation between River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries, requiring intervention from both teams and support staff. Acuna taunted Dumfries with a reference to Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final.

Extreme temperatures also posed a challenge, with teams resorting to ice baths and cold towels to mitigate the effects of the heat. Borussia Dortmund took the precautionary measure of having their substitutes watch their match against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to shield them from the scorching conditions. Thunderstorms and lightning caused delays in several games.

Moreover, U.S. 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 Raised for the Upcoming 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 several potential issues. Pitch quality, heat, and weather conditions have been major 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 Club World Cup continues to be dominated by Europe's top teams. Giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still among the favorites to lift the trophy. However, five teams – Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca – were eliminated without earning a single point.

List of 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