FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Underdogs, and Unexpected Heat Define Group Stage

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its 21st edition, has adopted a new format, generating significant buzz and captivating narratives as it progresses towards the Round of 16. From an expanded number of participating teams to a redesigned trophy, additional venues, and even the introduction of a referee cam, this year's competition in the United States seeks to emulate the prestige and global appeal of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have framed 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, featuring numerous debutants, has undeniably grown in stature.

Now, the tournament features teams from all six confederations: 12 from Europe, 6 from South America, 4 from Africa, 4 from Asia, 4 from North, Central America and the Caribbean, 1 from Oceania, and 1 from the host nation, completing the impressive 2025 lineup.

With the group stage concluded and the field narrowed to 16 teams, this edition of the Club World Cup has already delivered its share of upsets, David vs. Goliath clashes, and intense moments, both on and off the field.

Auckland City's Unlikely Stand

Auckland City, ranked a staggering 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. It's important to note that Auckland City is composed of amateur players competing in New Zealand's Northern League, which consists of only 12 teams.

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

Facing Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in their final match, Auckland City, already eliminated, played with nothing to lose. In a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, the underdogs held Boca to a 1-1 draw, denying them a crucial spot in the Round of 16. The result was particularly sweet considering the 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance to the Round of 16

Despite being grouped with formidable opponents such as Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami defied expectations to secure a place in the Round of 16, finishing second in Group A. Led by Messi and supported by fellow stars Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, the Herons proved they were a force to be reckoned with.

While Inter Miami managed only one victory, it proved sufficient for qualification. After a draw against Al Ahly in their opening match, they faced Portuguese giants Porto. Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a stunning free kick, propelled Miami to a 2-1 triumph. A 2-2 draw against Brazil's Palmeiras in their final group game sealed their spot in the knockout stage.

A Tense and 'Heated' Tournament

Tensions reached a boiling point on the final matchday of Group E, where River Plate needed a win against Inter Milan to advance. However, Inter Milan dashed their hopes. The final whistle sparked a heated confrontation between River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries, requiring intervention from teammates and staff. The animosity stemmed from a previous encounter three years prior, with Acuna displaying a shin guard bearing the 2022 World Cup trophy logo to Dumfries, referencing Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in a contentious quarter-final decided by penalties.

The "heat" extended beyond player altercations, as 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 substitutes watch their match against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to shield them from the scorching heat. The coach likened the playing conditions to a "sauna." Thunderstorms and lightning further disrupted the tournament, leading to the delay of at least five matches.

Adding another layer, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has a visible presence at the tournament, marking a first for the competition. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is also involved, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend matches.

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 brought to light several potential challenges. Issues ranging from pitch quality to extreme heat and weather conditions have made the tournament far from smooth.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham openly 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 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 continue to be strong contenders for the title. However, the tournament also highlighted struggles, with five teams – Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca – being eliminated without earning a single point.

Qualified Teams for the Round of 16:

Here is a list of the teams that have secured their spots in 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