FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Surprises, Messi Magic, and World Cup Warning Signs Emerge

As the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 progresses toward the knockout stage, the revamped tournament format is generating significant talking points. From an expanded field of participants to a redesigned trophy, multiple venues, and even the introduction of referee cameras, this edition hosted in the United States is striving to emulate the grandeur of the quadrennial World Cup.

Organizers are touting the event as "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 numerous debutants and a month-long schedule, the competition has undeniably grown in stature.

The expanded format now features 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 the host nation representative, completing the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup lineup.

With the group stage concluded and the final 16 teams determined, this year's tournament has delivered its share of surprises, underdog triumphs, and intense clashes, 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. They were drawn into a group with Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Boca Juniors. It's important to note that Auckland City is composed of amateur players competing in New Zealand's Northern League, a league of just 12 teams.

Auckland began their campaign with a harsh 0-10 defeat to Bayern Munich – the largest margin of victory in the tournament to date – followed by a 0-6 loss to Benfica.

Already eliminated, Auckland faced Argentinian powerhouse Boca Juniors in their final match. In a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, the underdogs held Boca to a 1-1 draw, denying them a place in the Round of 16. The difference of 4,819 ranking points and Boca's storied history made the result even sweeter for the amateurs.

Messi and Miami Advance to the Round of 16

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami defied expectations by advancing to the Round of 16 from a group that included Porto, Al Ahly, and Palmeiras. Led by Lionel Messi, and supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Miami finished second in Group A.

Despite securing only one win, it proved sufficient for qualification. After a draw against Al Ahly in their opening match, 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 group game sealed Miami's spot in the knockout stage.

A Tournament of Heated Moments

Tensions flared on the final matchday of Group E, where River Plate needed a win to progress but Inter Milan dashed their hopes. The final whistle sparked a confrontation 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 reminding Dumfries of Argentina's victory over the Netherlands in a heated 2022 World Cup quarter-final.

The heat extended beyond on-field altercations, with extreme temperatures forcing teams to provide ice baths and cold towels to their players. Borussia Dortmund took the unusual step of having their substitutes watch their game against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room to shield them from the scorching heat, with the coach likening the conditions to a sauna. 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 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, this Club World Cup has highlighted several potential challenges. From pitch quality to extreme weather conditions, the tournament has not been without its issues.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham voiced concerns about the playing surfaces, 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.

Familiar Faces Still Dominate

Despite the underdog stories and expanded format, the tournament remains a proving ground for Europe's elite clubs. Teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City are still among the favorites to lift the trophy. However, five teams – Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC, and Pachuca – were eliminated without earning a single point, showing that the expanded field doesn't guarantee success for all.