FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Big teams and bigger surprises - recap of group stage
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As the 21st edition of the FIFA Club World Cup moves towards the Round of 16, the competition's facelift has provided multiple storylines. From the number of teams participating to a newly designed trophy, more venues and even a referee cam, the competition in the United States has gone closer to its namesake - the quadrennial World Cup.
The organisers have called it "a celebration of hope, excellence and pride, embodying the journey of every club, player and fan united in their passion for the beautiful game." With several new debutants and the tournament now being a month-long event, the competition has changed in stature.
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Now, teams from all six confederations - 12 teams from Europe, 6 from South America, 4 from Africa, 4 from Asia, 4 from North, Central America and Caribbean, 1 from Oceania, and 1 team from the host nation complete the 2025 line-up.
With the group stage done and dusted and just 16 teams left in the running, it is fair to say that this edition of the Club World Cup has had its fair share of upsets, David vs Goliath matchups and some heated moments, literally and figuratively.
Auckland City hold their ground in a historic result
Ranked 4,971st in the Opta Power Rankings, Auckland City went in as the lowest ranked side in the Club World Cup. They were grouped alongside Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors.
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To put things into context, Auckland City are made up of amateurs, play in the Northern League in New Zealand, comprising just 12 teams.
Auckland suffered a brutal 0-10 loss against Bayern Munich to start with - the biggest defeat in this year's tournament - which was followed by a 0-6 thumping from Benfica.
Already eliminated and with nothing to lose, Auckland faced Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in their last game.
In what can only be described as a David-Goliath matchup, the underdogs denied Boca a spot in the Round of 16, who were in need of a win to progress. A difference of 4,819 ranking points and Boca's historical success made the 1-1 draw all the more sweet for the amateurs.
Messi and Miami power through to the Round of 16
Grouped alongside giants Porto, Al Ahly and Palmeiras, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami were expected to be swept aside. Instead, the Argentine No 10, supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, powered through to the Round of 16, after finishing second in Group A.
While the Herons could only pick up one win, it was enough to qualify. After a stalemate against Al Ahly in the tournament opener, Miami were up against Portuguese giants Porto. In what seemed like a difficult task for Miami, Messi's timeless brilliance, exemplified by a stunning free kick, earned them a 2-1 win. Miami drew their final game 2-2 against Brazil's Palmeiras, and confirmed their berth in the last 16.
A 'heated' Club World Cup
Tensions boiled over on the final matchday in Group E, where River Plate needed a win to make it to the last 16.
Inter, however, denied them that pleasure. At the full-time whistle, River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries nearly came to blows, needing an entire team and support staff to intervene. The feud, which first began three years ago, saw Argentina's Acuna show Netherlands' Dumfries the 2022 World Cup trophy logo on his shin guard.
At the tournament, Argentina had beaten Netherlands in a heated quarter-final which finished on penalties.
Heated moments weren't restricted to the players, as heatwaves and extreme temperatures saw teams give their players ice baths and cold towels. Borussia Dortmund went a step further, making their substitutes watch the game against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room and not from the bench to protect them from the blistering heat. Their coach likened the playing conditions to that of a 'sauna'. Thunderstorms and lightning also resulted in at least five games being delayed.
But it isn't just ice packs, but ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) who have been a presence at the tournament, making it the first to do so. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will also be a part of the tournament's setup, with non-citizens needing proof of legal status to attend games.
Concerns for the upcoming World Cup?
With less than a year to go for the 2026
FIFA World Cup
, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, its precursor has revealed several issues.
From pitch quality, to heat and weather in general, the tournament hasn't been a smooth one to say the least.
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham called out the poor pitch conditions, saying "The pitches aren't great here. The pitches aren't great at all," said the 21-year-old after his side's match against Pachuca at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
'New' tournament, same old favourites
Besides the underdog stories, major upsets and more teams, the tournament still remains a hunting ground for Europe's best.
Giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City still remain favourites to win the prize. Five teams from the eight groups - Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC and Pachuca - were eliminated without 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
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