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Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Big teams and bigger surprises - recap of group stage
AP Photo As the 21st edition of the FIFA Club World Cup moves towards the Round of 16, the competition's facelift has provided multiple storylines. From the number of teams participating to a newly designed trophy, more venues and even a referee cam, the competition in the United States has gone closer to its namesake - the quadrennial World Cup. The organisers have called it "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 several new debutants and the tournament now being a month-long event, the competition has changed in stature. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Now, teams from all six confederations - 12 teams from Europe, 6 from South America, 4 from Africa, 4 from Asia, 4 from North, Central America and Caribbean, 1 from Oceania, and 1 team from the host nation complete the 2025 line-up. With the group stage done and dusted and just 16 teams left in the running, it is fair to say that this edition of the Club World Cup has had its fair share of upsets, David vs Goliath matchups and some heated moments, literally and figuratively. Auckland City hold their ground in a historic result Ranked 4,971st in the Opta Power Rankings, Auckland City went in as the lowest ranked side in the Club World Cup. They were grouped alongside Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca Juniors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Emergency Generators in Pakigne: (Prices May Surprise You) Emergency Generator | Search Ads Search Now Undo To put things into context, Auckland City are made up of amateurs, play in the Northern League in New Zealand, comprising just 12 teams. Auckland suffered a brutal 0-10 loss against Bayern Munich to start with - the biggest defeat in this year's tournament - which was followed by a 0-6 thumping from Benfica. Already eliminated and with nothing to lose, Auckland faced Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in their last game. In what can only be described as a David-Goliath matchup, the underdogs denied Boca a spot in the Round of 16, who were in need of a win to progress. A difference of 4,819 ranking points and Boca's historical success made the 1-1 draw all the more sweet for the amateurs. Messi and Miami power through to the Round of 16 Grouped alongside giants Porto, Al Ahly and Palmeiras, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami were expected to be swept aside. Instead, the Argentine No 10, supported by Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, powered through to the Round of 16, after finishing second in Group A. While the Herons could only pick up one win, it was enough to qualify. After a stalemate against Al Ahly in the tournament opener, Miami were up against Portuguese giants Porto. In what seemed like a difficult task for Miami, Messi's timeless brilliance, exemplified by a stunning free kick, earned them a 2-1 win. Miami drew their final game 2-2 against Brazil's Palmeiras, and confirmed their berth in the last 16. A 'heated' Club World Cup Tensions boiled over on the final matchday in Group E, where River Plate needed a win to make it to the last 16. Inter, however, denied them that pleasure. At the full-time whistle, River's Marcos Acuna and Inter's Denzel Dumfries nearly came to blows, needing an entire team and support staff to intervene. The feud, which first began three years ago, saw Argentina's Acuna show Netherlands' Dumfries the 2022 World Cup trophy logo on his shin guard. At the tournament, Argentina had beaten Netherlands in a heated quarter-final which finished on penalties. Heated moments weren't restricted to the players, as heatwaves and extreme temperatures saw teams give their players ice baths and cold towels. Borussia Dortmund went a step further, making their substitutes watch the game against Mamelodi Sundowns from the locker room and not from the bench to protect them from the blistering heat. Their coach likened the playing conditions to that of a 'sauna'. Thunderstorms and lightning also resulted in at least five games being delayed. But it isn't just ice packs, but ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) who have been a presence at the tournament, making it the first to do so. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will also be a part of the tournament's setup, with non-citizens needing proof of legal status to attend games. Concerns for the upcoming World Cup? With less than a year to go for the 2026 FIFA World Cup , set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, its precursor has revealed several issues. From pitch quality, to heat and weather in general, the tournament hasn't been a smooth one to say the least. Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham called out the poor pitch conditions, saying "The pitches aren't great here. The pitches aren't great at all," said the 21-year-old after his side's match against Pachuca at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. 'New' tournament, same old favourites Besides the underdog stories, major upsets and more teams, the tournament still remains a hunting ground for Europe's best. Giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City still remain favourites to win the prize. Five teams from the eight groups - Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan, Wydad AC and Pachuca - were eliminated without a single point. List of qualified teams for 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 Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Auckland City amateurs take a break from the day job for Club World Cup
While most of the teams at the revamped Club World Cup would have a claim to be among the best sides in their countries, Auckland City are not even the biggest club in New Zealand's most populous city. That status belongs to Auckland FC, who played in front of crowds of almost 30,000 as they topped the regular standings in their debut campaign in Australia's A-League this year. Australia has been in the Asian Football Confederation since 2006, however, so it falls to Auckland City to represent the Oceania confederation in the United States over the next couple of weeks. "We're representing 99% of club teams in world football who are amateurs," Adam Mitchell, centre back and real estate agent, told Fox Sports. "We all have day jobs. We work usually nine to five. It's extremely difficult and it's tiring, but to have these rewards at the end of the tunnel is obviously a privilege for every single person involved in this in this club." Auckland City, whose home crowds range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand, qualified by beating Papua New Guinea's Hekari United 2-0 to win the Oceania Champions League for the 13th time in 18 years in April. Rated the 4,957th best team in the world in the Opta Power Rankings, Auckland City will play former European champions Bayern Munich (6th) and Benfica (24th) as well as Argentina's Boca Juniors (131st) at their 12th Club World Cup. They finished fourth at the 2014 edition after beating Morocco's MA Tetouan on penalties and Algeria's ES Setif 1-0, but otherwise it has been mostly exits at the first hurdle before the big clubs get involved. This year's Club World Cup is an altogether different beast with 32 teams, including the biggest in the game, and $1 billion in prize money. Mitchell, who failed to make the grade at Red Star Belgrade and Bolton Wanderers in his teens and early 20s, is therefore contemplating the task of shackling England and Bayern striker Harry Kane in Cincinnati on Sunday. "He's one of the most prolific goalscorers in world football for the last five to six years," the 29-year-old said. "I can't say I won't let him score, but I'm going to do my best not to let him score." The club lost 1-0 to Al-Ain in their final warm-up match in Alexandria, Virginia on Tuesday, an encouraging result given they were hammered 6-2 by the Emiratis in the Intercontinental Cup last year. "Obviously back home in New Zealand, we're used to having a lot of the ball, a lot of possession, being on the front foot," said skipper Mario Ilich. "Coming up against these better teams, we have to adapt, we're learning every day, but I think today was a good step in the right direction for what's to come." Mediation continues between the club and New Zealand Football over how the prize money will be divided but Mitchell said he and his teammates, many of whom have had to take unpaid leave, have other immediate priorities. "We've been in hard competitions before and somehow this team keeps doing it," he said. "We come from behind, we win games, we want to show the world that that's who we are." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Auckland City amateurs take a break from the day job for Club World Cup
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Club World Cup - Draw - Miami, Florida, United States - December 5, 2024 Artist Romero Britto draws Auckland City FC REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo (Reuters) -While most of the teams at the revamped Club World Cup would have a claim to be among the best sides in their countries, Auckland City are not even the biggest club in New Zealand's most populous city. That status belongs to Auckland FC, who played in front of crowds of almost 30,000 as they topped the regular standings in their debut campaign in Australia's A-League this year. Australia has been in the Asian Football Confederation since 2006, however, so it falls to Auckland City to represent the Oceania confederation in the United States over the next couple of weeks. "We're representing 99% of club teams in world football who are amateurs," Adam Mitchell, centre back and real estate agent, told Fox Sports. "We all have day jobs. We work usually nine to five. It's extremely difficult and it's tiring, but to have these rewards at the end of the tunnel is obviously a privilege for every single person involved in this in this club." Auckland City, whose home crowds range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand, qualified by beating Papua New Guinea's Hekari United 2-0 to win the Oceania Champions League for the 13th time in 18 years in April. Rated the 4,957th best team in the world in the Opta Power Rankings, Auckland City will play former European champions Bayern Munich (6th) and Benfica (24th) as well as Argentina's Boca Juniors (131st) at their 12th Club World Cup. They finished fourth at the 2014 edition after beating Morocco's MA Tetouan on penalties and Algeria's ES Setif 1-0, but otherwise it has been mostly exits at the first hurdle before the big clubs get involved. This year's Club World Cup is an altogether different beast with 32 teams, including the biggest in the game, and $1 billion in prize money. Mitchell, who failed to make the grade at Red Star Belgrade and Bolton Wanderers in his teens and early 20s, is therefore contemplating the task of shackling England and Bayern striker Harry Kane in Cincinnati on Sunday. "He's one of the most prolific goalscorers in world football for the last five to six years," the 29-year-old said. "I can't say I won't let him score, but I'm going to do my best not to let him score." The club lost 1-0 to Al-Ain in their final warm-up match in Alexandria, Virginia on Tuesday, an encouraging result given they were hammered 6-2 by the Emiratis in the Intercontinental Cup last year. "Obviously back home in New Zealand, we're used to having a lot of the ball, a lot of possession, being on the front foot," said skipper Mario Ilich. "Coming up against these better teams, we have to adapt, we're learning every day, but I think today was a good step in the right direction for what's to come." Mediation continues between the club and New Zealand Football over how the prize money will be divided but Mitchell said he and his teammates, many of whom have had to take unpaid leave, have other immediate priorities. "We've been in hard competitions before and somehow this team keeps doing it," he said. "We come from behind, we win games, we want to show the world that that's who we are." (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Soccer-Auckland City amateurs take a break from the day job for Club World Cup
-While most of the teams at the revamped Club World Cup would have a claim to be among the best sides in their countries, Auckland City are not even the biggest club in New Zealand's most populous city. That status belongs to Auckland FC, who played in front of crowds of almost 30,000 as they topped the regular standings in their debut campaign in Australia's A-League this year. Australia has been in the Asian Football Confederation since 2006, however, so it falls to Auckland City to represent the Oceania confederation in the United States over the next couple of weeks. "We're representing 99% of club teams in world football who are amateurs," Adam Mitchell, centre back and real estate agent, told Fox Sports. "We all have day jobs. We work usually nine to five. It's extremely difficult and it's tiring, but to have these rewards at the end of the tunnel is obviously a privilege for every single person involved in this in this club." Auckland City, whose home crowds range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand, qualified by beating Papua New Guinea's Hekari United 2-0 to win the Oceania Champions League for the 13th time in 18 years in April. Rated the 4,957th best team in the world in the Opta Power Rankings, Auckland City will play former European champions Bayern Munich and Benfica as well as Argentina's Boca Juniors at their 12th Club World Cup. They finished fourth at the 2014 edition after beating Morocco's MA Tetouan on penalties and Algeria's ES Setif 1-0, but otherwise it has been mostly exits at the first hurdle before the big clubs get involved. This year's Club World Cup is an altogether different beast with 32 teams, including the biggest in the game, and $1 billion in prize money. Mitchell, who failed to make the grade at Red Star Belgrade and Bolton Wanderers in his teens and early 20s, is therefore contemplating the task of shackling England and Bayern striker Harry Kane in Cincinnati on Sunday. "He's one of the most prolific goalscorers in world football for the last five to six years," the 29-year-old said. "I can't say I won't let him score, but I'm going to do my best not to let him score." The club lost 1-0 to Al-Ain in their final warm-up match in Alexandria, Virginia on Tuesday, an encouraging result given they were hammered 6-2 by the Emiratis in the Intercontinental Cup last year. "Obviously back home in New Zealand, we're used to having a lot of the ball, a lot of possession, being on the front foot," said skipper Mario Ilich. "Coming up against these better teams, we have to adapt, we're learning every day, but I think today was a good step in the right direction for what's to come." Mediation continues between the club and New Zealand Football over how the prize money will be divided but Mitchell said he and his teammates, many of whom have had to take unpaid leave, have other immediate priorities. "We've been in hard competitions before and somehow this team keeps doing it," he said. "We come from behind, we win games, we want to show the world that that's who we are."
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
PIF partners with Fifa for 2025 Club World Cup
A week before the inaugural Fifa Club World Cup begins, Saudi Arbia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has signed on as an official partner of the month-long tournament that takes place at stadiums across the United States. PIF, the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, makes this move partially in preparation for Saudi Arabia's role as host of the 2034 World Cup. "PIF is creating a legacy of transformative impact in sports including through its partnerships, delivering positive and lasting results at every level, from players and fans to host communities," PIF head of corporate brand Mohammed Al-Sayyad said in a statement. "PIF is at the forefront of growing football around the world following our CONCACAF partnership announced last year and our continued investment in football. We are unlocking opportunities to drive the growth of the sport around the world." The Fifa Club World Cup features some of the most prominent clubs from leagues all over the world. The competition begins Saturday, June 14, with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami (MLS) hosting Egyptian club Al Ahly FC, which has won three recent CAF Champions League titles. According to the Opta Power Rankings, the top five clubs in the tournament are Paris Saint-Germain (France), Manchester City (England), Bayern Munich (Germany), Inter Milan (Italy) and Real Madrid (Spain). Group play begins Saturday and carries through June 26. The knockout rounds begin June 28 with the championship match slated for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The groups are as follows: Group A: Palmeiras, FC Porto, Al Ahly FC, Inter Miami. Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle Sounders. Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica. Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Los Angeles FC. Group E: River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, CF Monterrey, Internazionale. Group F: Fluminense FC, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan HD, Mamelodi Sundowns. Group G: Manchester City, Wydad AC, Al Ain FC, Juventus.
