FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Underdogs, and Extreme Conditions Define Group Stage

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its revamped format, has delivered a series of compelling narratives as it progresses towards the Round of 16. This edition boasts an expanded field of participants, a redesigned trophy, multiple host cities, and the innovative "referee cam," bringing fans closer to the action in the United States, mirroring the grandeur of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have lauded 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's scale has significantly increased.

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's representative – the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises unprecedented global representation.

With the group stage concluded and the final 16 teams determined, this year's tournament has been marked by unexpected results, classic underdog stories, and intense rivalries, both on and off the field.

Auckland City's Unforgettable Stand

Auckland City, ranked 4,971st in the Opta Power Rankings, entered the Club World Cup as the lowest-ranked team. They were drawn into a challenging group alongside Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors. It's crucial to remember that Auckland City consists of amateur players competing in New Zealand's Northern League, which includes only 12 teams.

The team suffered a heavy 0-10 defeat against Bayern Munich, the largest margin in the tournament thus far, and a 0-6 loss to Benfica.

Facing Argentinian powerhouse Boca Juniors in their final match, Auckland City, already eliminated, defied expectations. In a true David vs. Goliath encounter, the amateurs held Boca to a 1-1 draw, preventing them from advancing to the Round of 16. The result was made even more remarkable by the 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history.

Messi and Miami Advance to the Round of 16

Many anticipated that Lionel Messi's Inter Miami would struggle against formidable opponents such as Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras. However, with Messi leading the charge, supported by former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami secured a spot in the Round of 16 by finishing second in Group A.

Although the Herons managed only one victory, it proved sufficient to qualify. After a draw against Al Ahly in their opening match, Miami faced Porto. Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a stunning free kick, propelled them to a 2-1 triumph. A 2-2 draw against Palmeiras sealed their place in the knockout stage.

A Tense and "Heated" Tournament

Emotions flared on the final matchday in Group E, as River Plate needed a win against Inter Milan to progress. Inter, however, dashed their hopes. The final whistle sparked a confrontation between River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries, requiring intervention from both teams and their staff. The rivalry, dating back three years, saw Acuna displaying his shin guard bearing the 2022 World Cup trophy logo, a reminder of Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in a heated quarter-final decided by penalties.

The heat extended beyond player altercations, as extreme temperatures forced teams to provide ice baths and cold towels to their players. Borussia Dortmund took the unusual step of having substitutes watch their game against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to shield them from the scorching conditions, described by their coach as "sauna-like." Thunderstorms and lightning caused delays in at least five matches.

Adding another layer of complexity, ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has a noticeable presence at the tournament, marking a first for the competition. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are also involved, 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, this Club World Cup has raised concerns. Issues ranging from pitch quality to extreme heat and weather conditions have made the tournament less than seamless.

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

A Familiar Pattern Emerges

Despite the underdog stories and expanded format, the tournament remains dominated by European powerhouses. Teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still favorites to win. 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