FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Group Stage Delivers Upsets, Drama, and a Glimpse into 2026 Concerns

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its 21st edition, has already delivered a captivating narrative as it progresses towards the Round of 16. This year's revamped format, featuring an expanded field of teams, a redesigned trophy, multiple venues, and even referee-cams, aims to emulate the prestige of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have lauded the event as "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride," uniting clubs, players, and fans through their shared passion for the sport. The inclusion of several debutants and the tournament's extended month-long duration have significantly elevated its significance.

Manchester City topped Group G with 3 wins in as many matches, collecting 9 points. (AP Photo)

The tournament brings together 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 1 from the host nation.

With the group stage now complete, the remaining 16 teams are set for the knockout rounds. This year's competition has been marked by unexpected results, David vs. Goliath matchups, and moments of intense drama, both on and off the field.

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. Placed in a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors, their chances appeared slim. The team, comprised of amateurs playing in New Zealand's Northern League, faced a daunting challenge.

Their tournament began with a harsh 0-10 defeat to Bayern Munich, the largest margin of victory this year, followed by a 0-6 loss to Benfica.

Facing Argentinian powerhouse Boca Juniors in their final game, Auckland City defied expectations. In a classic underdog story, they held Boca to a 1-1 draw, preventing the South American giants from advancing to the Round of 16. The result, considering the 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history, was a monumental achievement for the amateurs.

Messi and Miami Advance to the Round of 16

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, drawn alongside Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, were not favored to progress. However, Messi, supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, led Miami to a second-place finish in Group A, securing their spot in the next round.

Despite securing only one win, it proved sufficient for qualification. After a draw against Al Ahly, Miami faced Porto. Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a stunning free kick, secured a 2-1 victory. A 2-2 draw against Palmeiras in their final game confirmed their place in the Round of 16.

A Tense and Heated Competition

The final matchday in Group E saw tensions escalate as River Plate's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries nearly came to blows after their match. The animosity, stemming from a previous encounter three years prior, saw Acuna taunt Dumfries with a logo of the 2022 World Cup trophy, which Argentina had won after defeating the Netherlands in a heated quarter-final.

The heat extended beyond on-field clashes. Extreme temperatures forced teams to implement measures such as ice baths and cold towels for players. Borussia Dortmund even had substitutes watch their game against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to shield them from the heat. The coach described the conditions as akin to a "sauna." Thunderstorms and lightning caused delays in at least five matches.

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

Concerns Arise 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, this Club World Cup has exposed potential issues. Pitch quality, extreme heat, and weather conditions have presented significant challenges.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham criticized the pitch conditions, stating, "The pitches aren’t great here. The pitches aren’t great at all," after his team's game against Pachuca in Charlotte.

Familiar Faces Still Dominate

Despite the underdog stories and expanded format, the tournament remains a stage for Europe's elite clubs. Real Madrid and Manchester City remain favorites to win the competition. Conversely, Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca were all eliminated without earning a single point.