The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has officially kicked off, and the first week of action has already delivered surprises, memorable moments, and important lessons. Taking place across the United States, this newly formatted 32-team tournament has reshaped what the world thought it knew about club football at a global level — and it’s only just getting started.
From shocking upsets to logistical challenges and standout fan atmospheres, here’s everything you need to know from the opening week of football’s ambitious new experiment.
A Promising Start with Some Growing Pains
In its debut edition with a 32-team lineup, the Club World Cup has shown encouraging signs of potential — despite a few understandable teething issues.
According to ESPN’s Rob Dawson, the early rounds featured strong lineups, decent crowd turnouts, and just enough drama to turn heads. Standout moments include Botafogo’s stunning upset over Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami’s spirited comeback against Porto — results that prove this isn’t just a European coronation party.
Still, the tournament has struggled to fully break into mainstream American consciousness. Competing for attention with the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Final, and a full MLB calendar, football (or soccer) is fighting for space. Many casual fans remain unaware of the matches being played, with limited advertising in key cities and matches often hidden behind a DAZN paywall.
As Dawson notes, “This is the first attempt at a 32-team Club World Cup — there were always going to be challenges. But it’s clear the tournament is building toward something big.”
The Unpredictable Magic of Football on Display
For Gab Marcotti, the beauty of this tournament lies in its unpredictability. With few competitive clashes between clubs from different continents, many questions loomed: How wide is the gap between Europe and the rest? Would non-European teams hold their own?
So far, the answer is a resounding yes. Flamengo stunned Chelsea. Al Hilal held Real Madrid to a draw. And no team — aside from perhaps Auckland City — has looked completely out of its depth.
Crucially, no one seems to be treating the competition like a summer preseason tour. Big clubs are rotating their squads, yes, but they’re still clearly in it to win it — possibly spurred on by hefty prize money and the desire to make history.
Too Much, Too Soon?
That said, not everyone is sold on the scale of the tournament. Jumping from 7 games in 2023 to a full 32-team format feels excessive for some observers. In a country where every sports event fights tooth and nail for attention, every game needs to feel essential — and not all do.
The visibility issues are real. Chelsea’s match against LAFC in Atlanta, for example, was met with near-zero advertising. Even in sports bars, matches are difficult to find unless you know where to look.
Still, moments like Inter Miami’s triumph and the passionate support from Brazilian and Argentinian fans give the competition a heartbeat. The more of these emotional moments we see, the stronger the tournament’s foundation becomes.
South American Passion Ignites the Atmosphere
If there’s one group that has truly brought the Club World Cup to life, it’s the fans — especially those from South America.
Boca Juniors supporters turned Miami into a makeshift La Bombonera, shaking the stadium with drums, chants, and waves of yellow and blue. Their sheer energy overwhelmed Hard Rock Stadium, creating an atmosphere so electric that even Harry Kane called it one of the best of his career.
For many, especially the South American diaspora in the U.S., the tournament is a rare chance to feel connected to home. As one Boca Juniors fan put it: “Our grandma went to games all her life. Watching Boca in America keeps us connected to our roots.”
This emotional connection is something no amount of FIFA marketing can manufacture — and it’s a powerful tool to grow the tournament.
Heatwaves, Logistics, and Growing Pains
While football is heating up on the pitch, literal heat is also taking its toll. The midday kickoff between PSG and Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl drew over 80,000 fans — but it also exposed them to scorching conditions with minimal shade. Designed for European TV audiences, the scheduling clearly put fans’ comfort second.
Elsewhere, Chelsea’s unexpected loss to Flamengo has triggered logistical nightmares. Originally planning to fly to Miami for training, the Blues now must juggle travel changes and an earlier-than-expected Round of 16 clash in Charlotte — all while trying to regain their competitive focus.
To be fair, this is all part of the learning curve for a first-time mega tournament. And FIFA is treating this as a test run for the 2026 World Cup — including security upgrades and traffic flow improvements at major venues.
David vs Goliath: Can Pachuca Repeat History?
Pachuca coach Jaime Lozano carries a secret weapon: personal experience. Back in 2004, he helped Pumas UNAM defeat Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, featuring a galáctico lineup with Zidane, Beckham, and Figo. Now at the helm of a Mexican side once again facing the Spanish giants, he believes belief — not just tactics — can make magic happen.
“Anything can happen in 90 minutes,” Lozano told reporters. “You just have to believe. We’ve seen it already in this tournament.”
City’s Calm Confidence Amid the Chaos
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City remain focused and calm, unfazed by the external drama. Based in Boca Raton, they’ve praised the facilities, and Guardiola was especially thrilled with the roof at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium — a welcome break from the heat.
“This stadium is unbelievable,” Pep said. “Now that we’re here, we want to do our best. I want to enjoy the moment. You only get this chance every four years.”
He also acknowledged how seriously South American teams take this tournament, adding: “For them, it’s everything. That passion should inspire us.”
What’s Next? Knockouts Promise Drama
As we approach the knockout stages, anticipation is building. Potential heavyweight clashes like Real Madrid vs Manchester City or Boca Juniors vs Bayern Munich are tantalizing fans and raising global interest.
But if the Club World Cup wants to survive and thrive, it must build on this first week’s emotional highs, address its logistical stumbles, and make its presence felt far beyond the stadium gates.
Because for all its flaws, this tournament is already proving one thing: global club football is more competitive — and more compelling — than many expected.
