FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Underdogs, and Emerging Issues Headline Group Stage

The revamped FIFA Club World Cup, now in its 21st edition and heading into the Round of 16, has delivered a compelling narrative. Featuring an expanded format with more teams, a redesigned trophy, multiple venues, and innovative referee cameras, the competition in the United States is mirroring the scale and excitement of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have hailed it 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 tournament's prestige 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 1 from the host nation – the 2025 lineup is complete.

As the group stage concludes, leaving 16 teams vying for the title, this edition of the Club World Cup has showcased unexpected results, classic underdog stories, and intense clashes, both on and off the field.

Auckland City's Unforgettable Stand

Auckland City, ranked 4,971st by Opta Power Rankings, entered the Club World Cup as the lowest-ranked team. Drawn into a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors, their prospects seemed bleak. Notably, Auckland City's squad comprises mostly amateur players competing in New Zealand's Northern League.

The team suffered 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, already eliminated, defied expectations. In a classic David vs. Goliath encounter, the amateurs held Boca to a 1-1 draw, denying them a crucial spot in the Round of 16. The result, considering the 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history, was a monumental achievement for the underdogs.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance to Round of 16

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

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

Tensions Flare at the Club World Cup

The final matchday in Group E saw tensions escalate, as River Plate's Marcos Acuna and Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries nearly engaged in a physical altercation after their match. The conflict, stemming from a previous encounter three years prior, involved Acuna displaying 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 impacted the tournament, with teams resorting to ice baths and cold towels for their players. Borussia Dortmund took the precaution of having substitutes watch their game against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to avoid the scorching heat, with their coach describing the conditions as a "sauna." Thunderstorms caused delays in at least five matches.

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

Concerns Raised for 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 tournament has exposed several potential issues. Concerns range from pitch quality to extreme heat and weather conditions, indicating that preparations may not be as smooth as anticipated.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham criticized the field 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 Favorites Still in Contention

Despite the emergence of underdog stories and unexpected results, the Club World Cup remains a stage for Europe's elite teams. Powerhouses like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still favored to win the competition. However, Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca were eliminated without earning a single point, showing that surprises can still happen.

Qualified Teams for Round of 16

Here is the list of qualified teams 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