FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Upsets, Messi Magic, and Heat Concerns Emerge From Group Stage

As the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 progresses towards the knockout stage, the revamped tournament format has generated numerous compelling narratives. With an expanded field of teams, a redesigned trophy, multiple host cities, and even the introduction of referee cameras, this edition held in the United States is aiming to mirror the prestige and excitement of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have framed the event as "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride," emphasizing the shared passion uniting clubs, players, and fans. The inclusion of several debutant teams and the extension of the tournament to a month-long affair have significantly elevated its importance.

Now featuring representatives 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 the host nation's team – the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup boasts a truly global lineup.

With the group stage concluded and the final 16 teams determined, this year's competition has already delivered its share of unexpected results, clashes between underdogs and giants, and moments of intense drama, both on and off the field.

Auckland City's Unlikely Stand

Auckland City, entering the tournament as the lowest-ranked team at 4,971st in the Opta Power Rankings, found themselves in a daunting group alongside Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors.

Composed primarily of amateur players competing in New Zealand's Northern League, Auckland City faced an uphill battle. This was clear after a crushing 0-10 defeat against Bayern Munich – the heaviest loss of the tournament – followed by a 0-6 thrashing at the hands of Benfica.

Facing Argentinian powerhouse Boca Juniors in their final match, Auckland City, already eliminated, defied expectations. In a classic David vs. Goliath encounter, the amateurs held Boca to a 1-1 draw, denying the South American giants a place in the Round of 16. This result, considering the 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history, was a monumental achievement for the New Zealand side.

Messi and Inter Miami Advance

Despite being drawn into a group with formidable opponents such as Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami defied expectations and secured a spot in the Round of 16. Led by Messi, alongside former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami finished second in Group A.

Although the Herons managed only one victory, it proved sufficient to advance. Following a draw against Al Ahly in their opening match, Miami faced Portuguese giants Porto. In a display of his enduring brilliance, Messi scored a stunning free kick to secure a 2-1 win. A 2-2 draw against Brazil's Palmeiras in their final group game confirmed Miami's place in the knockout stage.

On-Field and Off-Field Heat

The final matchday of Group E witnessed tensions flare as River Plate's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries nearly came to blows after Inter denied River Plate a spot in the last 16. The altercation, stemming from a previous encounter three years prior, saw Acuna taunt Dumfries with a reminder of Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in a heated 2022 World Cup quarter-final.

Beyond on-field clashes, extreme heat and weather conditions also impacted the tournament. Teams resorted to ice baths and cold towels for players, while Borussia Dortmund took the unusual step of having substitutes watch their game against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to shield them from the intense heat. Thunderstorms and lightning caused delays in at least five matches.

Adding another layer of complexity, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have a notable presence at the tournament, 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, the Club World Cup has exposed potential challenges. Issues ranging from pitch quality to extreme heat and adverse weather conditions have raised concerns about the upcoming tournament.

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

Familiar Faces Remain in Contention

Despite the emergence of underdog stories and unexpected results, the FIFA Club World Cup continues to be dominated by European powerhouses. Teams such as Real Madrid and Manchester City remain strong contenders for the title. Conversely, Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca were eliminated without securing a single point.

Qualified Teams for Round of 16

Here are 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