FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Messi Magic, and Off-Field Heat Define Group Stage

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its 21st edition, is well underway with a revamped format that has introduced numerous compelling narratives. This year's competition boasts an expanded field of participants, a redesigned trophy, multiple host venues, and even the innovation of a referee cam, bringing it closer in scale and spectacle to 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." The month-long tournament features several debutant teams, significantly elevating the competition's prestige.

Teams representing all six confederations are participating: 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, completing the impressive 2025 lineup.

With the group stage concluded and the final 16 teams determined, this edition of the Club World Cup has already delivered its share of upsets, classic underdog stories, and intense clashes, both on and off the field.

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. They found themselves in a group with powerhouses Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors.

The context is crucial: Auckland City's squad is composed of amateur players competing in New Zealand's Northern League, a league comprising only 12 teams.

The team suffered a crushing 0-10 defeat to Bayern Munich, the largest margin of victory in the tournament, followed by a 0-6 loss to Benfica.

Facing Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in their final game, Auckland City, already eliminated, played with nothing to lose. In a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, the underdogs denied Boca Juniors a spot in the Round of 16, a result the Argentinian side needed to progress. The 1-1 draw was a momentous achievement for the amateurs, considering the 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance to Round of 16

Many expected Lionel Messi's Inter Miami to struggle in a group containing formidable opponents such as Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras. However, led by the Argentine No. 10, and supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami defied expectations and advanced to the Round of 16, finishing second in Group A.

Although Inter Miami secured only one victory, it proved sufficient to qualify. Following a draw against Al Ahly in their opening match, Miami faced Portuguese giants Porto. Despite the perceived difficulty, Messi's brilliance shone through, highlighted by a stunning free-kick, securing a 2-1 win. A 2-2 draw against Brazil's Palmeiras in their final group game cemented their place in the last 16.

Heated Moments On and Off the Pitch

Tensions reached a boiling point on the final matchday in Group E, where River Plate needed a win against Inter Milan to progress. Inter, however, dashed their hopes. The final whistle sparked a confrontation between River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries, requiring intervention from both teams and support staff. The rivalry, which originated three years prior, saw Acuna taunt Dumfries with a visual reference to Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final, a match decided by penalties.

The heat wasn't limited to on-field altercations. Heatwaves and extreme temperatures forced teams to implement measures such as ice baths and cold towels for their players. Borussia Dortmund took the extra step of having their substitutes watch the game against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to shield them from the extreme heat, which their coach likened to a "sauna." Additionally, thunderstorms and lightning caused delays in at least five matches.

Beyond the physical heat, the presence of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) at the tournament marked a first. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also played a role, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend games.

Concerns 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, this tournament has highlighted several potential issues. From concerns about pitch quality to the impact of heat and weather conditions, the Club World Cup has not been without its challenges.

Real Madrid star 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 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Familiar Favorites Prevail

Despite the emergence of underdog stories and surprising results, the tournament continues to be dominated by Europe's elite clubs. Teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City remain strong contenders for the title. However, the tournament also saw five teams – Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca – 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