The group stage of the Club World Cup has now delivered its verdict.Of the 32 teams involved, some have disappointed, others have surprised, favorites have fallen, outsiders have qualified. The fans, too, have had their part to play. For better or for worse in fact. Somewhat like the weather, which has also made a remarkable entrance into the competition.
As a result, 48 matches have now been played and dozens of subjects discussed. But which ones in particular caught the eye of our staff? A question to which some of Sports Talk United‘s writers have provided an answer, naming, through a few words, their favourite of the tournament… for now.
Al Hilal is the worthy ambassador of Asian football
Al Hilal have officially booked their place in the Round of 16, and honestly, it’s no less than what they deserve. For me, they’ve been one of the standout sides of this Club World Cup so far — not just in terms of results, but in how they’ve carried themselves. They’re not here to make up the numbers, they’re here to show that Asian football has a seat at the top table.
Simone Inzaghi’s got this team ticking — the balance between experience and control is spot on. João Cancelo and Ruben Neves are setting the tempo, Milinković-Savić is bossing midfield, and Marcos Leonardo is leading the attack. Holding Real Madrid, overpowering Salzburg, and showing the confidence to play on the front foot, they’ve sent a clear message: Al Hilal aren’t scared of anyone.
Now, heading into the knockout rounds, I genuinely believe they can trouble any of the so-called favourites. Backed by the Arab World and fuelled by belief, this isn’t just about a trophy — it’s about proving that AFC sides belong in the conversation at the very top.
Muhammad Hafejee
The Brazilian takeover of the United States
To be honest, my expectations of this Club World Cup were, well… limited. Like many people’s, in fact. But I have to admit that certain aspects of it have led me to revise my judgement.
Starting with the Brazilian wave that swept through.
When Palmeiras took on FC Porto on June 16, few would have bet on the fact that, eleven days later, all of the Brasileirao’s representatives would feature in the Round of 16. Fewer still would have guessed that the four of them would only have one defeat between them at the end of the group stage.
And to say that they didn’t steal anything from anyone is an euphemism.
Passion and courage have paved their path. By the thousands of their fans who travelled across America to support them, they have been carried. Nothing happens by chance. Football has proved that time and time again. And the best part? The party is far from being over.
Leo Aschi
Auckland City’s Club World Cup fairytale
For me, the biggest highlight of the tournament has to be Auckland City. Before the tournament kicked off, many questioned whether or not this semi-professional side should even be at the Club World Cup, considering FIFA’s ‘power ranking’ put them 5,074th in the world (UAE outfit Al Ain are the 2nd lowest at the tournament, ranked 625th).
These opinions multiplied after their 10-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, but despite the humiliation, they rallied in their second match to keep Benfica at bay for the 1st half (before conceding a penalty in the 6th minute of stoppage time). They eventually lost 6-0, and the conversation soon turned to ‘how many goals Boca Juniors could score’, as the Argentinian giants tried to reach the last-16.
Somehow, despite the intense heat, despite Boca having dedicated fitness coaches and superior body conditioning, despite the enormous financial difference (Boca’s weekly wage is roughly $540,000; Auckland City’s is less than $3,000), despite Auckland fielding a team that included: a PE teacher, barbers, baristas, builders, warehouse workers (some of whom took unpaid leave to participate in this tournament), and a salesman for Coca Cola; despite facing 74% possession and 41 shots, despite everything, Auckland City drew 1-1. It’s a result that shouldn’t have been possible, but it’s all the more remarkable considering the 2 matches that preceded this one.
For participating at the FIFA Club World Cup, Auckland City will receive roughly $3.6million (their last reported yearly turnover was about $670,000), though much of that money will also be divided with the New Zealand National League to prevent domestic imbalance. The draw vs Boca banked another $1million; another life-changing amount for a club like them.
They proved to everyone that they deserved to be at this tournament, and finished with more points than: Seattle Sounders, Urawa Reds, Ulsan HD, Wydad Casablanca, and Pachuca, which means they finish as the 27th best club in the world (sort of).
Daniel Hames
CONCACAF presentation on the big stage
CONCACAF clubs are making waves at the Club World Cup, with Inter Miami and Monterrey leading the charge. Their performances have secured more qualification spots than all Asian and African teams combined, marking a major shift in global club football. Monterrey’s consistency and toughness, and Inter Miami’s star power — fueled by Lionel Messi, Barcelona B, and on-loan Celta Vigo player Tadeo Allende among others — are proving that North America is no longer just showing up, but showing out.
With the expanded format, CONCACAF has started asserting itself as a rising force on the world stage. Can Miami or Monterrey now keep going and pull off Round of 16 upsets over two teams that have been in UEFA Champions League Finals — Monterrey against 2024 runners-up Dortmund, and Miami against current European champions PSG— in the last 13 months?
If they can, this story gets even better for fans of North American football.
Sean Miller
