FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Underdogs, Messi Magic, and Weather Woes Define Group Stage

As the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 progresses towards the knockout stages, the tournament's revamped format has delivered a compelling narrative. Featuring an expanded field of teams, a redesigned trophy, multiple venues, and innovative technology like referee cams, this edition in the United States aims to mirror the prestige of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have framed the event as "a celebration of hope, excellence and pride," uniting clubs, players, and fans through their shared love for the sport. With numerous debutants and a month-long schedule, the tournament has undeniably grown in significance.

The competition now includes teams from all six confederations: 12 from Europe, 6 from South America, 4 from Africa, 4 from Asia, 4 from North and Central America and the Caribbean, 1 from Oceania, and the host nation's representative.

With the group stage concluded and the final 16 teams determined, this year's Club World Cup has produced its share of surprises, underdog triumphs, and intense clashes, both on and off the field.

Image credit: FIFA.com

Auckland City's Unlikely Stand

Auckland City, ranked 4,971st in the Opta Power Rankings, entered the Club World Cup as the lowest-ranked team. Drawn into a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors, their chances appeared slim.

Composed of amateur players from New Zealand's Northern League, Auckland City faced a daunting challenge. They suffered a heavy 0-10 defeat to Bayern Munich, the largest margin of victory in the tournament, 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 encounter, the underdogs held Boca to a 1-1 draw, denying them a place in the Round of 16. The result, considering the 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history, was a momentous achievement for the amateurs.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance

Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi and bolstered by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, defied expectations in Group A. Despite being grouped with formidable opponents like Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, they secured a spot in the Round of 16, finishing second in their group.

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi celebrates with Luis Suarez after scoring his side's second goal against FC Porto (AP Photo)

While Miami managed only one victory, it proved sufficient. After a draw against Al Ahly in their opening match, they faced Porto. Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a stunning free kick, secured a 2-1 win. A 2-2 draw against Palmeiras in their final match sealed their progression to the knockout stage.

Tensions Flare on and off the Pitch

The final matchday in Group E witnessed heightened tensions as River Plate's aspirations to reach the Round of 16 were thwarted by Inter. The final whistle sparked a near-brawl 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, a reminder of Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in a heated quarter-final.

Extreme weather conditions also impacted the tournament. Heatwaves and high temperatures led teams to provide ice baths and cold towels to players. Borussia Dortmund took the extra step of keeping substitutes in the locker room during their match against Mamelodi Sundowns to shield them from the heat, with the coach describing the conditions as a "sauna." Thunderstorms and lightning caused delays in at least five matches.

Beyond the weather, the presence of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) at the tournament marked a first. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also participated, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend games.

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, this Club World Cup has highlighted several potential challenges. Issues ranging from pitch quality to extreme heat and weather conditions have made the tournament less than seamless.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham 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

Despite the emergence of underdog stories and surprising results, the tournament remains dominated by Europe's elite. Powerhouses like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still favored to win the competition. However, not all teams thrived; Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca were eliminated without earning a single point.

Qualified Teams for Round of 16

Here's a list of the teams that have advanced to 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