The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup burst into life with 16 pulsating fixtures across the United States of America, yielding 44 goals, over 600,000 fans in the stands, and $32 million distributed in prize money.
Bayern Munich made the biggest statement, thrashing New Zealand’s Auckland City 10-0 in front of 21,152 fans with France’s Michael Olise dazzling as MVP, bagging two goals and two assists.
In contrast, Inter Miami and Al-Ahly played out a goalless draw in front of a sell-out crowd of 60,927. Argentine goalkeeper Oscar Ustari took MVP honours in a cagey affair that earned both sides $1 million.
Fans of Al Ahly FC are seated ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group A match between Al Ahly FC and Inter Miami.Photo by Getty Images.
The most attended match saw 80,619 fans pack in to watch Paris Saint-Germain comfortably beat Atlético Madrid 4-0, as Vitinha stole the show.
Chelsea also impressed with a 2-0 win over LAFC, Pedro Neto crowned MVP in a game watched by 22,137 fans.
South American sides stood strong. Flamengo, River Plate, and Botafogo all notched wins, while Palmeiras and Fluminense held European giants Porto and Dortmund to draws.
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Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns edged Ulsan Hyundai 1-0 in front of a modest 3,412 fans, while Red Bull Salzburg stunned Pachuca 2-1, thanks to Oscar Gloukh’s decisive display.
Manchester City’s head coach, Pep Guardiola, gives instructions to players during a game against Wydad AC during the FIFA Club World Cup. Photo by Getty Images
Manchester City and Real Madrid produced contrasting performances: City dispatched Wydad 2-0, while Madrid shared points with Al Hilal in a 1-1 thriller watched by 62,416.
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In terms of discipline, five red cards were handed out, including dismissals for Boca’s Jorge Figal and Ander Herrera, and City’s Rico Lewis.
With 10 wins and 6 draws so far, the stage is set for a dramatic next round as global giants eye the ultimate prize.
