Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Messi Magic, and Weather Woes Define Group Stage

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its revamped format, has delivered a captivating group stage filled with compelling narratives. Beyond the increased number of participating teams and the introduction of a new trophy, the competition in the United States has mirrored the grandeur of the quadrennial World Cup itself.

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

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 1 from the host nation – the 2025 edition has been marked by upsets, thrilling underdog stories, and intense battles, both on and off the field.

Auckland City's Unlikely Stand

Auckland City, ranked a staggering 4,971st in the 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.

Comprised of amateurs who compete in New Zealand's Northern League, a 12-team competition, Auckland City 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.

However, already eliminated, Auckland faced Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in their final match. In a classic David vs. Goliath encounter, the underdogs held Boca to a 1-1 draw, denying them a place in the Round of 16. This result, considering the 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history, was a monumental achievement for the amateur side.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance to Round of 16

Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, defied expectations to reach the Round of 16. Drawn alongside formidable opponents such as Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, many predicted an early exit for the Herons. However, Messi, supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, guided the team to a second-place finish in Group A.

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

Tensions Rise in a 'Heated' Club World Cup

The final matchday in Group E saw tempers flare as River Plate's hopes of reaching the Round of 16 were dashed by Inter. The final whistle triggered a heated confrontation between River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries, requiring intervention from teammates and staff. The animosity stemmed from a previous encounter three years prior, with Acuna reminding Dumfries of Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final.

Beyond player altercations, extreme heat also played a significant role. Teams resorted to ice baths and cold towels to cool down players. Borussia Dortmund even had substitutes watch their match against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to shield them from the scorching heat. Thunderstorms and lightning caused delays to at least five games.

Adding another layer, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had a presence at the tournament, a first for the competition. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also participated, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend games.

Concerns Emerge 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 potential issues. Pitch quality, weather conditions, and logistical challenges have raised concerns about the readiness of the host nation.

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.

Familiar Faces Still Dominate

Despite the emergence of underdog stories and a larger field of teams, the tournament's established powerhouses remain in contention. Giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still favored to lift the trophy. However, teams like Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca were eliminated without earning a single point, highlighting the gap between the elite and the rest.

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