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 series of compelling narratives as it progresses towards the Round of 16. With an expanded roster of participating teams, a redesigned trophy, multiple host cities, and innovative features like the referee cam, this edition in the United States aims to mirror the prestige and excitement of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have lauded the tournament as "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride," uniting clubs, players, and fans through their shared love for the sport. This year's competition has been elevated by the inclusion of several debutant teams and its extended month-long duration.

Featuring teams from all six confederations, the 2025 lineup includes 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.

With the group stage concluded and the remaining 16 teams vying for the title, this year's Club World Cup has witnessed its share of surprises, underdog victories against established powerhouses, and emotionally charged moments, 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 alongside Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors. Auckland City, comprised of amateur players competing in New Zealand's Northern League, which consists of only 12 teams, faced a daunting challenge.

Their campaign began with a harsh 0-10 defeat against Bayern Munich, the tournament's most lopsided result, followed by a 0-6 loss to Benfica.

Facing Argentinian giants 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. This result, marked by a ranking difference of 4,819 points and Boca's storied history, was a significant achievement for the New Zealand club.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance to Round of 16

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, drawn into a group with Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, defied predictions. Led by Messi and supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, the team secured a place in the Round of 16, finishing second in Group A.

Despite securing only one victory, it proved sufficient for qualification. Following a draw against Al Ahly in their opening match, Miami faced a tough challenge against Porto. However, Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a remarkable free kick, led to a 2-1 victory. A 2-2 draw against Palmeiras in their final group game sealed Miami's place in the next round.

Tensions Flare at the Club World Cup

Emotions ran high on the final matchday in Group E, where River Plate needed a victory to advance to the Round of 16. Inter Milan, however, dashed their hopes. The final whistle triggered a confrontation between River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries, requiring intervention from both teams and their staff. The rivalry, stemming from a heated quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, added fuel to the fire.

Beyond on-field clashes, extreme heat also presented challenges. Teams implemented measures like ice baths and cold towels to mitigate the effects of the heat. Borussia Dortmund took extra precautions, having their substitutes watch the game against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to shield them from the scorching conditions. The coach described the playing conditions as "sauna"-like. In addition, thunderstorms and lightning caused delays in at least five matches.

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

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 highlighted several potential issues. Concerns range from pitch quality to extreme heat and weather conditions, indicating that the tournament has not been without its challenges.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham criticized the pitch conditions, stating, "The pitches aren’t great here. The pitches aren’t great at all," following his team's match against Pachuca at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Familiar Faces Remain Tournament Favorites

Despite the emergence of underdog stories and increased competition, the tournament continues to be dominated by European powerhouses. Teams such as Real Madrid and Manchester City remain frontrunners for the title. Conversely, Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca were eliminated without earning a single point.

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