FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Messi Magic, and 2026 World Cup Concerns Emerge From Group Stage

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its revamped format, has delivered a compelling narrative as it progresses towards the Round of 16. This edition boasts an expanded lineup, a redesigned trophy, multiple venues, and the innovative referee cam, mirroring the scale and excitement of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have hailed the event as "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride," uniting clubs, players, and fans in their shared passion for the sport. With numerous debutants and a month-long schedule, the tournament's significance 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 the host nation's representative—the 2025 Club World Cup has witnessed its share of unexpected results, clashes between underdogs and giants, and moments of intense competition.

Auckland City's Unlikely Stand

Auckland City, ranked 4,971st by Opta Power Rankings, entered the tournament as the lowest-ranked team. Placed in a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors, their prospects appeared bleak. The New Zealand-based club, composed of amateur players from the Northern League, faced a daunting challenge.

Their campaign began with a harsh 0-10 defeat against 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. The amateurs, separated by 4,819 ranking points from their opponents, secured a 1-1 draw, denying Boca Juniors a place in the Round of 16. This result stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of football.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance

Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi and supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, defied expectations in a group that included Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras. Despite the odds, they secured a spot in the Round of 16, finishing second in Group A.

While Miami managed only one win, it proved sufficient for qualification. Following a draw against Al Ahly, they faced Porto, where Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a stunning free-kick, secured a 2-1 victory. A 2-2 draw against Palmeiras sealed their progression to the next stage.

Heated Encounters

The final matchday in Group E saw tensions escalate as River Plate's Marcos Acuna and Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries nearly came to blows after their match. The confrontation, rooted in a previous encounter three years prior, saw Acuna taunt Dumfries with a reference to Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final.

Beyond on-field clashes, extreme temperatures presented challenges for players, with teams resorting to ice baths and cold towels. Borussia Dortmund even had their substitutes watch the game from the locker room to shield them from the heat. Thunderstorms and lightning caused delays in several matches.

Furthermore, the presence of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) marked a first for the tournament, 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, the Club World Cup has raised concerns about pitch quality and weather conditions.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham criticized the playing surfaces, stating, "The pitches aren’t great here. The pitches aren’t great at all."

Familiar Favorites

Despite the surprises and underdog stories, the tournament remains a domain for Europe's elite clubs. Teams such as Real Madrid and Manchester City are still considered strong contenders for the title. Several teams, including 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