FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Underdogs, and Heat - Group Stage Recap

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its revamped format, has delivered a compelling narrative as it progresses towards the Round of 16. The competition boasts an expanded roster of participating teams, a redesigned trophy, a greater number of host cities, and the innovative addition of referee cameras, bringing it closer in scale to the prestigious quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have lauded the event as "a celebration of hope, excellence and pride," embodying the collective aspirations of clubs, players, and fans. With numerous debutants and the tournament now spanning a full month, its significance has undeniably grown.

Featuring representatives from all six confederations – 12 teams 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 unexpected results, classic underdog stories, and moments of intense rivalry.

Auckland City's Unlikely Stand

Auckland City, ranked a distant 4,971st in the Opta Power Rankings, entered the Club World Cup as the lowest-ranked team. Drawn into a group with powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors, their chances appeared slim. The team, composed of amateur players from New Zealand's Northern League, faced a daunting challenge.

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

Facing Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in their final match, Auckland City defied expectations. Despite a massive difference of 4,819 ranking points and Boca's storied history, the amateurs secured a 1-1 draw, denying Boca Juniors a place in the Round of 16. This result was a monumental achievement for the New Zealand side.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance to Round of 16

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami defied expectations by advancing to the Round of 16 from a group that included Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras.

Led by Lionel Messi, and supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Porto, highlighted by a stunning free kick from Messi. A 2-2 draw against Palmeiras sealed their place in the knockout stage.

Tensions Flare and Heat Takes Its Toll

The final matchday in Group E saw tensions escalate between River Plate and Inter Milan, with players nearly coming to blows after the final whistle. The animosity between River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries stemmed from their countries' quarter-final match at the 2022 World Cup.

Extreme heat also posed a significant challenge, with teams employing ice baths and cold towels to cool down their players. Borussia Dortmund even had their substitutes watch their match against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to shield them from the heat. Thunderstorms caused delays in several games.

The presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) marked a first for the tournament, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend matches.

Concerns Arise Ahead of 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 such as pitch quality and extreme weather conditions have raised concerns about the upcoming tournament.

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 Favorites Still in Contention

Despite the upsets and underdog stories, the FIFA Club World Cup remains a stage for Europe's elite teams. Powerhouses like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still considered strong contenders for the title. However, several teams, including Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca, were eliminated without earning a single point.

Qualified Teams for Round of 16

Here's a list of teams qualified for 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