FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Messi Magic, and Weather Woes Mar Group Stage

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its revamped format, has delivered a compelling narrative as it heads into the Round of 16. This edition boasts an expanded lineup, a redesigned trophy, multiple host venues, and even the innovative "referee cam," bringing fans closer to the action. The tournament in the United States aims to emulate the excitement and global appeal of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers describe the event as "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride," uniting clubs, players, and fans through their shared love for soccer. With numerous debutants and a month-long schedule, the competition's profile has significantly risen.

Featuring teams from all six confederations – including 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 edition is set. As the group stage concludes, the remaining 16 teams have provided their share of surprises, underdog victories, and intense contests.

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 powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors. It's important to note that Auckland City's squad consists of amateur players competing in New Zealand's Northern League, which includes only 12 teams.

The team faced a daunting start, suffering a 0-10 defeat against Bayern Munich, the tournament's largest margin of victory, followed by a 0-6 loss to Benfica.

With elimination already confirmed, Auckland faced Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in their final match. Against all expectations, the amateurs held Boca to a 1-1 draw, denying them a spot in the Round of 16, a result that resonated around the world. The 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history made the draw an especially sweet victory for Auckland.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance to the Round of 16

Many expected Lionel Messi's Inter Miami to struggle against formidable opponents like Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras. However, the Argentine superstar, supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, led his team to a second-place finish in Group A and a place in the Round of 16.

Despite securing only one win, it was enough to see them through. After a draw against Al Ahly, Miami faced Porto. In a display of his enduring brilliance, Messi scored a stunning free kick to secure a 2-1 victory. A 2-2 draw against Palmeiras in their final match sealed Miami's place in the next round.

High Temperatures and High Tensions

The final matchday in Group E saw tensions escalate as River Plate needed a win against Inter to advance. Inter, however, thwarted their plans. The final whistle sparked a confrontation between River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries, requiring intervention from teammates and staff. The rivalry, dating back three years, saw Acuna display a shin guard with the 2022 World Cup trophy logo, a reminder of Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in a heated quarter-final.

The tournament also faced challenges from heatwaves, with teams resorting to 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 avoid the extreme heat. Thunderstorms caused delays in at least five games.

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

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

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham criticized the playing surfaces, stating, "The pitches aren’t great here. The pitches aren’t great at all," after a match in Charlotte.

Familiar Faces Remain in Contention

Despite the underdog stories and surprises, the tournament maintains its appeal for Europe's elite. Teams like 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 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