FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Messi Magic, and Heat-Fueled Drama Define Group Stage

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, now heading into the Round of 16, has already delivered a series of compelling narratives. This edition, hosted in the United States, features an expanded format, a redesigned trophy, multiple venues, and even experiments with referee cameras, mirroring the scale and excitement of the quadrennial World Cup.

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

The tournament includes 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's representative, completing the 32-team lineup.

The group stage witnessed a mix of unexpected results, classic underdog stories, 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 powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors, their chances appeared slim. The team, comprised largely of amateurs playing in New Zealand's Northern League, faced an uphill battle.

Their tournament began with a crushing 0-10 defeat against 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. Despite a staggering 4,819-point difference in rankings and Boca's storied history, the amateurs secured a 1-1 draw, denying Boca Juniors a place in the Round of 16.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, drawn into a group with Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, were not favored to advance. However, led by Lionel Messi, and supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, the team secured a spot in the Round of 16, finishing second in Group A.

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

Tensions Flare Amidst Heat

The final matchday in Group E saw tensions escalate as River Plate's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries nearly came to blows after Inter denied River Plate a win. The altercation, rooted in a previous encounter three years prior, involved Acuna taunting Dumfries with the 2022 World Cup trophy logo on his shin guard, referencing Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in a heated quarter-final.

Extreme heat also played a significant role, with teams resorting to ice baths and cold towels for their players. Borussia Dortmund even had their substitutes watch the game against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to avoid the heat, which their coach compared to a "sauna." Thunderstorms and lightning caused delays in several matches.

Adding another layer to the tournament's unique environment, ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were present, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend games.

Concerns 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 potential challenges. Issues ranging from pitch quality to extreme weather conditions have raised 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," following his team's match against Pachuca in Charlotte.

Familiar Faces Still Favored

Despite the emergence of underdog stories and a larger field of competitors, the tournament remains dominated by European powerhouses. Teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still considered strong contenders for the title. Five teams – 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