By Ubong Usoro
The newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States has entered the knockout stage after a group phase that delivered both drama and controversy, with the tournament now boasting 32 teams instead of seven.
From lopsided scorelines like Bayern Munich’s historic 10-0 hammering of Auckland City to edge-of-your-seat clashes ending in 4-3 and 4-4 draws, the competition has seen no shortage of goals.
Braving the Heat and Lightning Warnings
Players and coaches have raised alarm over brutal playing conditions, with matches in cities like Charlotte and Philadelphia being played in soaring temperatures, sometimes reaching 36°C, forcing cooling breaks and the use of ice towels.
Chelsea’s boss, Enzo Maresca, described it as “impossible” to train under such weather, citing Philadelphia’s “code red” heat advisory.
Weather-related delays added to the challenges, as U.S. stadium protocols required matches to be halted whenever lightning struck within a 10-mile radius, leading to extended pauses in five games.
From Packed Stadiums to Rows of Empty Seats
While matches like Paris St-Germain’s 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid drew over 80,000 fans to the Rose Bowl, several fixtures were poorly attended. The opening game for Chelsea against LAFC in Atlanta, for instance, saw nearly 50,000 vacant seats.
Pitch Conditions: A Growing Concern
Coaches and players have not held back on criticizing the quality of playing surfaces. PSG’s Luis Enrique described the state of pitches as unworthy of a top-tier tournament, comparing them unfavorably to a poorly maintained basketball court.
England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham echoed these concerns, stating the ball “barely bounces” and describing the fields as tough on players’ bodies.
Clubs Chasing Glory, Riches
Despite the challenges, teams have approached the tournament with seriousness, not least because of the massive £775 million prize pot.
Every stage reached adds millions to a team’s earnings, with the eventual winners expected to walk away with £30 million.
Manchester City were the only side to win all three group matches, showing their intent early with dominant performances, including a 6-0 thrashing of Al Ain.
Surprises and Setbacks
Although European clubs were tipped to dominate, not all have delivered.
Portuguese giants Porto and Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid are among those already out.
Meanwhile, Brazilian clubs have impressed, with four of them advancing to the knockout stage.
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, remains the last North American hope and will face a tough test against PSG.
Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia are the sole Asian survivors and will battle Manchester City next.
Africa’s representatives, Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly, Wydad AC, and Esperance, failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Oceania’s Auckland City may have exited early, but not without a fight, a commendable 1-1 draw with Boca Juniors.
Race for the Golden Boot Heats Up
With 144 goals scored across 48 matches, the race for the top scorer is wide open. Bayern’s Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala, Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz, Benfica’s Angel Di Maria, and Al Ahly’s Wessam Abou Ali all have three goals each.
However, with Al Ahly eliminated, Abou Ali’s campaign has ended, while others continue their push for individual glory.
What’s Next?
The round of 16 is set to deliver heavyweight clashes:
Palmeiras vs Botafogo
Benfica vs Chelsea
PSG vs Inter Miami
Flamengo vs Bayern Munich
Inter Milan vs Fluminense
Man City vs Al Hilal
Real Madrid vs Juventus
Dortmund vs Monterrey
Quarter-finals kick off on 4 July, with the final set for 13 July.
