FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Messi Magic, and Heat Waves Rock Group Stage

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its 21st edition, is well underway, showcasing a revamped format that has already delivered numerous compelling narratives. From an expanded field of participants and a redesigned trophy to multiple host cities and the introduction of referee cams, this year's competition in the United States mirrors the grandeur of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have hailed the event as "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride," uniting clubs, players, and fans through their shared love for the sport. The tournament's extended duration and the inclusion of several debutant teams have significantly elevated its status.

With the group stage now concluded and the final 16 teams determined, this edition of the Club World Cup has been marked by its share of surprising outcomes, classic underdog stories, and moments of intense competition, both on and off the field.

Auckland City's Unlikely Stand

Auckland City, entering the tournament ranked a distant 4,971st in the Opta Power Rankings, were considered the ultimate underdogs. Drawn into a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors, their chances appeared slim. The team, comprised largely of amateur players from New Zealand's Northern League, faced an uphill battle.

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 powerhouse Boca Juniors in their final match, Auckland City defied expectations. In a classic David vs. Goliath encounter, the amateurs secured a 1-1 draw, denying Boca Juniors a crucial spot in the Round of 16. The result, achieved despite a 4,819-point ranking difference, was a historic moment for the New Zealand club.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance to Round of 16

In Group A, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, alongside stars like Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, defied predictions. Many anticipated a swift exit for the Herons, who were grouped with formidable opponents such as Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras. However, Miami secured a spot in the Round of 16, finishing second in their group.

Despite securing just one victory, it proved sufficient. Following a draw against Al Ahly, Miami faced Porto. Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a stunning free kick, secured a 2-1 victory. A subsequent 2-2 draw against Palmeiras sealed Miami's place in the knockout stage.

Tensions Flare Amidst 'Heated' Competition

The final matchday in Group E saw tensions reach a boiling point, as River Plate's hopes of reaching the Round of 16 were dashed by Inter Milan. The final whistle triggered a heated confrontation between River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries, requiring intervention from teammates and staff. The rivalry, stemming from a previous encounter three years prior, saw Acuna taunt Dumfries with a reference to Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final.

The "heat" extended beyond player altercations, as extreme temperatures forced teams to implement measures such as ice baths and cold towels. Borussia Dortmund even had substitutes watch the game from the locker room to shield them from the sweltering conditions, likened to a "sauna" by their coach. Inclement weather, including thunderstorms and lightning, caused delays in multiple matches.

Adding another layer of complexity, ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and CBP (Customs and Border Protection) maintained a visible presence at the tournament, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend games.

Concerns Emerge Ahead of 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 challenges. Issues ranging from pitch quality to extreme heat and unpredictable weather patterns have raised concerns about the readiness of the host nations.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham openly criticized the playing surfaces, stating, "The pitches aren’t great here. The pitches aren’t great at all," following his team's match against Pachuca.

Familiar Faces Remain in Contention

Despite the emergence of underdog stories and surprising results, the Club World Cup continues to be dominated by Europe's elite. Teams such as Real Madrid and Manchester City remain strong contenders for the title. However, several teams – Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC and Pachuca – were eliminated without securing a single point.

List of 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