While the inaugural expanded Club World Cup in the United States has faced criticism regarding empty seats, weather delays, extreme heat, and concerns about player welfare amidst a packed schedule, the tournament has also delivered significant excitement and unexpected moments.
The competition has provided a stage for several stars to shine, including Inter Miami’s ageing former Barcelona greats, led by Lionel Messi.
The 38-year-old Messi helped the MLS side surprisingly reach the last 16, a feat coach Javier Mascherano called “historic.”
Messi’s presence continues to captivate fans, as evidenced by a young boy in an Argentina shirt moved to tears at the prospect of seeing his hero live.
Messi delivered a superb free kick to secure a shock victory for Miami over Porto. Fans like Yemi Obono, a 34-year-old tech product manager, expressed their delight at witnessing Messi’s performance and eagerly anticipate Inter Miami’s last-16 clash against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Georgia this weekend.
The tournament’s “canon” status, driven by the substantial $1 billion in prize money, has ensured clubs are taking the competition seriously, unlike typical pre-season tours.
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola lauded the passion of South American fans and remarked on the surprising defeats of European teams, stating, “Welcome to the real world, my friends.”
Indeed, the group stage saw several upsets: Botafogo stunned PSG with a 1-0 win, Chelsea suffered a stinging 3-1 defeat by Flamengo, and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid were eliminated early. These results have offered a level of tension that some felt was missing from the revamped UEFA Champions League first round.
The Club World Cup has also provided an early glimpse into Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid project and showcased new signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen for Real Madrid, Liam Delap for Chelsea, and several new arrivals for Manchester City.
Coaches, including Bayern’s Vincent Kompany, have appreciated the additional time the tournament provides to work in depth with their players, a luxury often unavailable during the regular season’s demanding schedule.
Beyond the elite clubs, the tournament has offered a platform for teams that rarely receive global attention. While New Zealand amateurs Auckland City suffered a 10-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, their impressive 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors in their final game highlighted their spirit.
Vice-captain Adam Mitchell noted they were “representing 99 per cent of club teams in world football who are amateurs… we all have day jobs.”
Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds’ fans, alongside passionate River Plate and Boca Juniors supporters, have created a superb atmosphere, bringing the tournament to life.
Even with some empty seats, the average attendance has reportedly surpassed that of La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 last season.
Brazilian clubs, in particular, have demonstrated their strength, with all four reaching the last 16, surprising those who underestimated the gap between South American and European football.
With powerhouses like PSG, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich set to compete in upcoming blockbuster clashes, the tournament has the potential to win over even its staunchest critics.
Still in its infancy, the Club World Cup has room for improvement, but has already shown more heart than many anticipated.
