European Giants Cruise into Knockouts
The group stage of the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup concluded with dominant displays from Europe’s elite. Manchester City, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund all booked their spots in the Round of 16, with performances that mixed class and resilience across U.S. cities.
City Run Riot in Atlanta, Juventus Top Group G
Manchester City demolished UAE champions Al-Ain 6–0 in Atlanta. Ilkay Gündogan netted twice, but still expressed frustration over the team’s “slow start” and missed opportunities. Despite the dominant win, Juventus edged the group on goal difference, thanks to a clinical 4–1 victory over Morocco’s Wydad AC in Philadelphia, where young star Kenan Yıldız bagged a brace.
Madrid Overcomes Adversity in Charlotte
Real Madrid had to dig deep in a feisty 3–1 win over Mexico’s Pachuca, playing most of the match with 10 men after an early red card. Manager Xabi Alonso praised his side’s composure, while the club addressed reports of racist abuse directed at defender Antonio Rüdiger, calling for swift FIFA action.
Dortmund Survive Scorcher in Cincinnati
Borussia Dortmund edged Mamelodi Sundowns 4–3 in one of the weekend’s most chaotic games. Played in stifling heat, the match saw young Jobe Bellingham score his first senior goal for the club. The German side’s progression now puts them in a favorable knockout position alongside Fluminense.
Inter Milan Stage Late Comeback
Inter left it late in Seattle, turning a 1–0 deficit against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds into a dramatic 2–1 win. Substitute Valentin Carboni scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, keeping the Nerazzurri on course for a deep run in the tournament.
Brazilian Flair From Fluminense
Fluminense brought flair and firepower in a thrilling 4–2 comeback win over South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai. Trailing at halftime, the Brazilians stormed back to top Group F, making them one of the dark horses to watch moving forward.
Stalemates Keep Groups Wide Open
In Los Angeles, River Plate and Monterrey played out a tense 0–0 draw, leaving their group delicately poised heading into the final fixtures. Neither side looked sharp in front of goal, but both retain a shot at qualification depending on other results.
Mixed Fortunes in Group A
Al Ahly picked up a hard-fought 1–0 win over Inter Miami, only to fall 2–0 to Palmeiras in a rain-delayed match. Group A’s unpredictability has made it one of the tightest in the tournament, though the Brazilian champions now look most likely to advance.
Fans Trickle In as FIFA Watches Closely
Across 16 matches so far, 44 goals have been scored at an average of 2.75 per game. While attendance was strong in cities like Miami and Los Angeles, some matches played in cooler markets had sparse turnouts, raising questions about the tournament’s U.S. rollout.
Calls for Change Already Echoing
The tournament has not been without criticism. Players’ union FIFPRO voiced concerns over scheduling, travel fatigue, and player welfare, especially with many stars coming straight off domestic and international seasons. FIFA has remained optimistic, but structural tweaks may be necessary for future editions.
The Knockout Path is Set
The Round of 16 kicks off June 28–29, with top-seeded group winners set to face group runners-up in what promises to be a mouthwatering slate. Heavyweights like Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Manchester City are favored, but surprises remain on the cards in this unpredictable global showcase.
Record Prize Pool Raises the Stakes
This year’s expanded Club World Cup comes with a record prize pool reportedly exceeding $2.5 billion, with the winning team set to pocket nearly $100 million, according to sources close to FIFA. It’s the richest purse in club football history, dwarfing past editions and surpassing even UEFA Champions League earnings. With such financial incentives on the line, clubs—especially from outside Europe—are treating each match with serious intent, not just for prestige, but for transformative payouts that could reshape entire leagues back home.
