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

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its revamped format, has delivered numerous compelling narratives as it progresses to the Round of 16. With an expanded field of teams, a redesigned trophy, multiple host cities, and even the introduction of referee cams, this edition held in the United States is drawing comparisons to the prestigious quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have hailed the tournament as "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride," uniting clubs, players, and fans through their shared passion for the sport. The inclusion of several debutant teams and the extension of the tournament to a month-long affair have significantly elevated its significance.

Featuring representatives 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 – the 2025 lineup showcases global diversity.

Now that the group stage has concluded, leaving only 16 teams in contention, it's evident that this Club World Cup has witnessed its share of upsets, underdog triumphs, and intense rivalries, both on and off the field.

Auckland City's Memorable Stand

Auckland City, ranked a modest 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 prospects appeared bleak.

The New Zealand-based club, comprised largely of amateur players from the Northern League (a 12-team competition), faced an uphill battle.

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

However, already eliminated and with nothing to lose, Auckland City faced Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in their final match. Against all odds, the underdogs secured a 1-1 draw, denying Boca Juniors a crucial spot in the Round of 16. This unexpected result, considering the 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history, was a sweet victory for the amateur side.

Messi and Inter Miami Surge into the Round of 16

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami defied expectations in Group A, which also included formidable opponents such as Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras. Led by Lionel Messi, and supported by fellow stars Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami secured a place in the Round of 16, finishing second in their group.

Despite securing only one win, it proved sufficient for qualification. After an initial draw against Al Ahly, Miami faced Porto. Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a stunning free kick, led to a 2-1 victory. A subsequent 2-2 draw against Palmeiras sealed their spot in the knockout stage.

A Tense and 'Heated' Tournament

Tensions reached a boiling point during the final matchday in Group E, where River Plate's hopes of reaching the Round of 16 were dashed by Inter Milan. 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, stemming from a heated 2022 World Cup quarter-final clash between Argentina and the Netherlands (which Argentina won on penalties), saw Acuna taunt Dumfries with a shin guard displaying the World Cup trophy logo.

The heat extended beyond on-field clashes, as extreme temperatures forced teams to implement cooling measures such as ice baths and cold towels. Borussia Dortmund even kept their substitutes in the locker room during their match against Mamelodi Sundowns to shield them from the scorching conditions, with the coach describing the environment as a 'sauna.' Thunderstorms and lightning also caused delays in at least five matches.

Adding a unique dimension, the tournament marked the first time that ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has had a presence, alongside Customs and Border Protection (CBP), requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend games.

Concerns Arise 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 challenges. Issues ranging from pitch quality to extreme heat and unpredictable weather have raised concerns about the upcoming tournament.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham voiced his concerns about the playing surfaces, stating, "The pitches aren’t great here. The pitches aren’t great at all," after his team's match against Pachuca in Charlotte.

Familiar Favorites Emerge

Despite the emergence of underdog stories and unexpected results, the Club World Cup remains a domain dominated by European powerhouses. Teams such as Real Madrid and Manchester City are still considered strong contenders for the title. However, the group stage eliminations of Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca without earning a single point serve as a reminder of the competition's unpredictable nature.

Qualified Teams for Round of 16

Here is the list of teams that have advanced to 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