FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Messi Magic, and Heat Concerns Define Group Stage

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its 21st edition, has ushered in a new era with a revamped format, generating numerous compelling narratives as it progresses towards the Round of 16. The enhancements, including an expanded roster of participating teams, a redesigned trophy, additional venues, and the innovative referee cam, bring the competition closer to mirroring the grandeur of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have hailed the event as "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride, embodying the journey of every club, player, and fan united in their passion for the beautiful game." With several debutants and the tournament now spanning a full month, the competition's scale has significantly increased.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features 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 1 from the host nation.

With the group stage concluded and the field narrowed to 16 teams, this edition of the Club World Cup has delivered its share of surprises, underdog victories, 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 were placed in a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors. Notably, Auckland City consists of amateur players who compete in New Zealand's Northern League, which includes only 12 teams.

The team started with a crushing 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 defied expectations. In a classic David vs. Goliath encounter, the amateurs prevented Boca Juniors from reaching the Round of 16, a result that was made all the more remarkable considering the 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance to the Round of 16

Drawn alongside Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami were not expected to progress. However, led by Messi, along with Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, the team secured a spot in the Round of 16, finishing second in Group A.

Despite securing only one win, it proved sufficient for qualification. After a draw against Al Ahly, Miami faced Porto. Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a stunning free kick, led to a 2-1 victory. A 2-2 draw in their final match against Palmeiras sealed their place in the next round.

High Temperatures and Tensions Run High

The final matchday in Group E saw tempers flare as River Plate and Inter Milan clashed. At the final whistle, River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries nearly came to blows, requiring intervention from teammates and staff. The animosity, which originated three years prior, involved Acuna showing Dumfries the 2022 World Cup trophy logo on his shin guard, a reminder of Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in a heated quarter-final.

Extreme heat also affected the tournament, with teams using ice baths and cold towels to cool down players. Borussia Dortmund even had substitutes watch their game against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to avoid the heat, which their coach described as a "sauna." Thunderstorms caused delays in at least five matches.

In addition to weather concerns, the presence of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) marked a first for the tournament. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also participated, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend games.

Concerns Arise 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 highlighted several potential issues, ranging from pitch quality to extreme heat and weather conditions.

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 Favorites Still Dominate

Despite the emergence of underdog stories and an expanded field, the Club World Cup remains a competition dominated by Europe's top teams. Giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still considered favorites to win 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

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