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. This edition boasts an expanded field of participants, a redesigned trophy, multiple host cities, and innovative features like referee cams, bringing it closer to the scale and excitement of the FIFA World Cup.

Organizers have framed the event as "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride," uniting clubs, players, and fans in their shared love for the sport. With numerous teams making their debut and the tournament spanning a full month, its significance has undoubtedly grown.

The competition now features 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, completing the 32-team lineup for 2025.

Following the conclusion of the group stage, with 16 teams remaining, this Club World Cup has witnessed its share of surprises, underdog triumphs, and intense confrontations, both on and off the field.

Auckland City's Unlikely Stand

Auckland City, ranked 4,971st by Opta Power Rankings, entered the Club World Cup as the lowest-ranked team. They found themselves in a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors. Auckland City, comprised of amateur players from New Zealand's Northern League (a 12-team competition), faced a daunting challenge.

The team suffered a crushing 0-10 defeat to 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, already eliminated, defied expectations. In a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, the amateurs held Boca to a 1-1 draw, preventing them from advancing to the Round of 16. The result was made even more remarkable by the 4,819-point ranking difference between the two teams, highlighting the magnitude of Auckland's achievement.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance to the Round of 16

Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi and bolstered by former Barcelona stars Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, defied expectations by progressing to the Round of 16. Drawn alongside formidable opponents such as Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, many anticipated an early exit for the Herons.

Despite securing only one victory, it proved sufficient for qualification. After a draw against Al Ahly in their opening match, Miami faced Porto. Messi's brilliance, including a remarkable free kick, secured a 2-1 victory. A 2-2 draw against Palmeiras in their final group game sealed Miami's place in the knockout stage.

On-Field Clashes and Off-Field Concerns

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, requiring intervention from teammates and staff. The rivalry, stemming from a heated 2022 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands, added fuel to the fire.

Extreme heat posed challenges for players, with teams employing ice baths and cold towels. Borussia Dortmund even kept substitutes in the locker room during their match against Mamelodi Sundowns to shield them from the scorching conditions. Thunderstorms caused delays in several games.

Adding another layer, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have a presence at the tournament, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend matches.

Concerns for 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 exposed potential issues. Concerns range from pitch quality to extreme heat and adverse weather conditions.

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

Familiar Faces Remain in Contention

Despite the upsets and underdog stories, established European powerhouses continue to dominate the competition. Real Madrid and Manchester City remain strong contenders for the title. However, several teams, including 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