Just over a week through the FIFA Club World Cup, and one thing is clear: South American teams aren’t taking this lightly.
Week one of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has been a turbulent viewing experience, to say the least. After a subpar start, the tournament began to gain traction with some fiery matchups, and it was no surprise to see which teams brought the smoke. With so much nuance and talking points to analyze, let’s take a closer look at the best and worst of the Club World Cup’s opening fixtures.
Inter Miami’s goalkeeper Óscar Ustari winning the inaugural ‘Superior Player of the Match’ award in his team’s 0-0 draw with Al Ahly should tell you everything you need to know about how the opening fixture played out. However, the pendulum swung in the complete opposite direction when Bayern brutally dispatched Auckland City 10-0 in game two.
The trend of diluted, uninspiring affairs continued until two South American teams took the stage, which was a precursor to the eye-catching games of Central and South American teams in week one. Copa Libertadores holders Botafogo secured the first win for the Americas, and Boca Juniors swiftly matched their impressive showing.
The clash between Boca and Benfica was an end-to-end slugfest. Red cards, penalties awarded, own goals; everything you could ask for as a neutral was on display and for those who were worried that no teams would be taking the tournament seriously, Boca alleviated those worries.
The atmosphere in these two games was also noticeably more fervent. It’s not just the teams from the Americas that came ready; their fans always respond in turn. Luckily for Benfica, they were able to get past the initial Boca storm and fight their way back into the game, coming away with a draw, but other teams might not be so fortunate should they take any game lightly.
Five of the six South American clubs are unbeaten thus far in the tournament, with Boca Juniors’ 2-1 loss to Bayern being the only defeat the region has seen.
A serious conversation needs to be had on the mindset of teams from this part of the world. Anything from a preseason friendly to a cup final is played with the same breakneck pace and brutal intensity. The edge-of-your-seat tension brought by the games featuring Latin American teams provides an escape from the boring dominance shown by Manchester City, Juventus, and Bayern.
The European teams don’t just have those from the Americas to watch out for, and hard work isn’t the only thing on offer from the “lesser” teams. Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal was one of the most eagerly anticipated matchups, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen making their Los Blancos debut in a typically star-studded Galacticos outfit. Again, though, it was the story of the overwhelming favorites faltering to a team that just seemed to want it more.
Al-Hilal probably even deserved to win the game. Former Inter boss Simone Inzaghi has been at the club for just over two weeks and has had his charges going toe-to-toe with Madrid, and outplaying them for large portions of the game.
This Club World Cup might not yet boast the prestige and allure of other continental club tournaments, but the opportunity to etch your name in history as the inaugural winners means more to some than others.
PSG were favorites to romp the tournament and walk away with the silverware, and their 4-0 demolition of Atleti in their first match only heightened the pedestal on which they were lofted. Their squad is the most talented, their football the most gorgeous, and their coach might just be the best on the planet. Yet, should their focus and desire falter for even a moment, teams who want it more might provide the upset of the summer. Enter Botafogo.
In the biggest stunner of the tournament thus far, Botafogo took command of group B with a laborious victory over their fellow intercontinental title holders. PSG’s amorphous attacking football which has dominated European play, was matched by the grit and hard work of Botafogo, providing a match with immense intrigue and fascination.
While the Parisians may not like it, another South American win, one as massive as this, is great for the Club World Cup. Botafogo now sit in command of group B, and their next game with Atleti will be must-see TV.
With this tournament coming off the back of a grueling season, it’s understandable why some of the major teams may be taking a lighter approach. Instead of having time to rest and celebrate their 2025 UEFA Champions League title, PSG had a mere two weeks in between the UCL Final and Club World Cup opener.
Many players understandably feel they should be resting during this time of the year, which is not exactly going to encourage the highest caliber of effort from those on the pitch. Fixture congestion in football is at an all-time high, and the European game often takes the brunt of the hit. No amount of money in their pockets or squad rotation will alleviate the mental tax on the players.
Dark Horses
What was an idea that many felt was not needed in an uninspiring format may yet be saved as a product by the South American fire brought by the proverbial underdogs. Nothing builds intrigue and draws eyes more than giants being slayed, and we’ve already been given a teaser of what might come if the European teams don’t lock in.
With the victory over PSG, calling Botafogo the “dark horses” won’t have the same ring to it. My sleeper pick for the tournament, to no surprise if you’ve been paying attention, also comes from Brazil. Flamengo have not lost since May 4 and only have two losses in their last 30 fixtures, and their brand of football is a joy to watch under former Chelsea wingback Filipe Luis.
A 3-1 outclassing of Chelsea put Flamengo in the “teams to be afraid of” category, further pushing the narrative that the South American teams haven’t just come to make up the numbers. Come July 13, don’t be surprised if we see the Club World Cup trophy taken back to that side of the world.
