FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Underdogs Upset Giants as Tournament Tests 2026 World Cup Preparations

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in its 21st edition, has introduced a fresh format, sparking compelling narratives as it progresses towards the Round of 16. From an expanded pool of participating teams to a redesigned trophy, multiple host cities, and even the novel addition of a referee cam, the competition held in the United States is mirroring the grandeur of its inspiration – the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers have declared the event "a celebration of hope, excellence, and pride, embodying the journey of every club, player, and fan united in their passion." The month-long tournament features numerous debutants, marking a significant shift in its scale and importance.

Teams representing all six confederations are participating: 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 representative, completing the 2025 lineup.

With the group stage concluded and the final 16 teams determined, this edition of the Club World Cup has been marked by unexpected results, clashes between underdogs and giants, and intense moments both on and off the field.

Auckland City's Unlikely Stand

Auckland City, ranked 4,971st by Opta Power Rankings, entered the Club World Cup as the lowest-ranked team. They found themselves in a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors. It's important to note that Auckland City consists of amateur players competing in New Zealand's Northern League, a league comprising only 12 teams.

The team suffered a heavy 0-10 defeat against Bayern Munich – the largest margin in the tournament so far – followed by a 0-6 loss to Benfica.

Facing Argentinian powerhouse Boca Juniors in their final match, Auckland City defied expectations. Already eliminated and with nothing to lose, the underdogs prevented Boca Juniors, who needed a win to advance, from reaching the Round of 16. The 1-1 draw was especially significant for the amateurs, considering the 4,819-point ranking difference and Boca's storied history.

Messi and Miami Advance to Round of 16

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, drawn alongside Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras, exceeded expectations by securing a place in the Round of 16, finishing second in Group A. Messi, supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, propelled the team forward.

Despite securing only one victory, it was enough for Miami to advance. After a draw against Al Ahly in their opening match, Miami faced a tough challenge against Porto. However, Messi's brilliance, highlighted by a stunning free kick, secured a 2-1 victory. A 2-2 draw in their final match against Palmeiras confirmed Miami's spot in the next round.

A Tense and 'Heated' Tournament

The final matchday in Group E saw tensions escalate, as River Plate needed a victory to progress to the Round of 16. Inter Milan, however, dashed their hopes. The final whistle sparked a near altercation between River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries, requiring intervention from both teams and support staff. The rivalry, which began three years earlier, saw Acuna displaying the 2022 World Cup trophy logo on his shin guard to Dumfries, referencing Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in a heated quarter-final decided by penalties.

The heat extended beyond player clashes, as extreme temperatures forced teams to implement measures such as ice baths and cold towels for their players. Borussia Dortmund took the extra step of having their substitutes watch their match against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room, shielding them from the scorching heat. The coach described the conditions as being similar to a "sauna." Thunderstorms and lightning caused delays in at least five matches.

In addition to dealing with the weather, ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) had a presence at the tournament, marking a first for the competition. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also participated, requiring non-citizens to provide proof of legal status to attend games.

Concerns for the Upcoming World Cup?

With less than a year until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, this Club World Cup served as a trial run, revealing several challenges. Issues such as pitch quality, heat, and weather conditions have made the tournament less than seamless.

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

'New' Tournament, Familiar Favorites

Despite the underdog stories and increased participation, the tournament remained a stage for Europe's top teams. Powerhouses like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still considered favorites to lift the trophy. Five teams – Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca – were eliminated without earning a single point.