In an unexpected twist, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 demonstrated its potential as a significant tournament on the international stage, but there are numerous aspects to evaluate for its future iterations.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 can be summed up in one word: surprising. This year’s event defied expectations and set a new standard for global club competition. Not only did it offer a fresh glimpse into the future of international soccer, but it also provided a foundation for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, predominantly hosted on U.S. soil.
FIFA‘s ambitious 32-team, five-confederation format promised to deliver an unforgettable experience. Drawing from past endeavors, beginning with the experiments of 2000 and following through the established tournaments from 2005 to 2024, this year’s edition redefined what we know about the Club World Cup. By assembling top clubs from every continent, the tournament showcased a new era of global talent.
Initially skeptical, I joined other journalists and fans with modest expectations for the Club World Cup. While a European clash in the final was unsurprising, the fierce competition throughout the United States over the month’s duration caught me off guard. These encounters illustrated the dynamic shift poised to impact the soccer world significantly, culminating in the crowning of the 21st Club World champion this Sunday.
Despite the tournament’s captivating nature, concerns linger, especially for those of us who watched every moment, from a less attractive matchup like Wydad vs. Al Ain contest, until clash of titans PSG vs Chelsea. These questions arise as we look ahead to future tournaments, particularly the 2026 FIFA World Cup‘s expanded format with 48 teams. How will these changes shape the landscape of international soccer? Only time will tell.
Analyzing team performance in the Club World Cup
The recent Club World Cup provided a mixed bag of performances, and one aspect that stands out, albeit not entirely in a negative light, is the level of competition presented by the participating teams. While not categorizing them simply as “good” or “bad,” a statistical lens offers a clearer perspective on their performances, especially against tournament favorites.
With 32 teams in action, the breakdown included 12 teams from UEFA, 6 from CONMEBOL, 4 each from CAF and AFC, another 4 from CONCACAF, 1 from OFC, and 1 from the host nation, represented by Inter Miami. Sunday’s Match 63 will see powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea face off, cementing their status as the standout teams in this year’s tournament.
On paper, many expected teams from CAF, AFC, and CONCACAF to struggle to advance beyond the Round of 16. Some defied this expectation, while others seemed content merely to experience the tournament’s vibrant atmosphere and the hospitality of the United States, regardless of their MLS ties. Here’s a breakdown of the performance of some non-UEFA and non-CONMEBOL teams:
- Seattle Sounders: 0 points, GD -5
- Auckland City: 1 point, GD -16
- Los Angeles FC: 1 point, GD -3
- Urawa Red Diamonds: 0 points, GD -7
- Ulsan Hyundai: 0 points, GD -4
- Wydad Casablanca: 3 points, GD -10
- Al Ain: 0 points, GD -6
- Pachuca: 0 points, GD -5
*GD = goal difference
Upon closer inspection, none of the most lackluster performances were attributed to UEFA or CONMEBOL clubs. In contrast, CAF teams entirely fell at this hurdle with all four of their representatives failing to advance. Despite its semi-professional status, the OFC’s sole representative showed resilience, managing to hold Boca Juniors to a draw in the final group stage match, despite conceding the most goals overall in the competition.
Growing competitiveness across confederations
As Sunday’s final approaches, featuring two European clubs vying for the championship, one might consider it business as usual. However, with 12 UEFA teams in the tournament, the result is less surprising. Yet, the journey these teams took to reach the final was anything but routine.
During the group stage, clubs like Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, Monterrey, Fluminense, and Al Hilal demonstrated that European dominance isn’t guaranteed. Notably, Flamengo and Palmeiras topped their groups, with Flamengo besting Chelsea in the standings and defeating them 3-1 in a spectacular match.
Botafogo was a standout, potentially becoming the only team to defeat PSG, the reigning Champions League titleholders. Fluminense was the only non-UEFA team reaching the semifinals, while Al Hilal captivated audiences by tying with Real Madrid and advancing to an epic 4-3 thriller against Manchester City in the Round of 16.
Elsewhere, unexpected results emerged from Inter Miami’s victory over Porto to Auckland City’s draw with Boca Juniors. This tournament’s structure underscored the absence of a clear favorite, inspiring other clubs to enhance their squads in pursuit of future successes.
Weather woes: A challenge for upcoming tournaments in the USA
While the drama on the field took center stage, the climate poses a looming concern for upcoming international tournaments in The United States, including the FIFA World Cup. Weather-related disruptions affected six matches, impacting results, schedules, and broadcasting rights.
Consider the Benfica vs. Auckland City game, suspended at halftime due to a lightning storm. Resuming two hours later, with Benfica leading 1-0, the enforced pause dramatically altered the game’s dynamic, eventually leading to a 6-0 victory for Benfica. Such interruptions highlight the logistical challenges that host nations, particularly the U.S., must address, given their predominant role in future tournaments.
Should the U.S. share hosting duties, especially during summer when severe weather is prevalent, collaborating with other nations becomes essential to mitigate these issues.
Reflections on the Club World Cup
Beyond the on-field action, the potential growth of global soccer powerhouses warrants recognition. Future qualifying processes should consider factors beyond on-field performance, embracing historical significance and fan support.
Heightened ticket prices, coupled with less enticing matchups, resulted in unsold seats. According to FIFA, an average of 38.000 fans attended to the games, but the media capacity is around 56,749 fans per stadiums. A lesson for future tournaments, including the World Cup: matches may feature smaller nations like Jordan or Uzbekistan, highlighting the need for careful planning.
Hosting these tournaments prior to major events like the World Cup can assess each nation’s readiness to welcome fans and gauge competitiveness levels, especially with potentially diverse teams participating in future editions.
Above all, FIFA must prioritize accessibility. Ensuring affordable pricing for flights, accommodations, and match tickets is critical to avoiding the empty seats witnessed in numerous matches. Soccer should be a spectacle accessible to all, regardless of budget.
From: bolavip.com