The group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup delivered a night of high drama and unexpected outcomes in the United States, culminating in the elimination of pre-tournament favourites Atlético Madrid and the qualification of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Inter Miami, and Palmeiras for the knockout rounds. Monday’s final group matches set the stage for intriguing Round of 16 clashes, including a highly anticipated reunion for Lionel Messi.
Atlético Madrid Eliminated Despite Victory
In Group B, Atlético Madrid faced Botafogo in Pasadena, California, needing a victory by at least three goals to advance. Despite relentless pressure throughout the second half, the breakthrough only arrived in the 87th minute. After a shot from teammate Ángel Correa was blocked, Antoine Griezmann reacted swiftly to send a left-footed shot into the net, securing a 1-0 win.
However, this lone goal was insufficient to rescue Atlético’s campaign. Key moments earlier in the match saw Atlético keeper Jan Oblak make a crucial save against Jefferson Savarino to keep the score level, and Julián Alvarez sending a shot wide just before halftime. Griezmann himself hit the post early in the second half as Atlético pushed for goals. Ultimately, the required margin was not met, leading to Atlético Madrid’s surprising elimination from a group they were tipped to navigate successfully according to pre-tournament analysis. With this result, PSG and Botafogo claimed the top two spots in Group B, advancing to the next stage.
PSG Secures Qualification
In the other Group B fixture played in Seattle, Paris Saint-Germain secured their spot in the last 16 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring in the first half, albeit fortuitously via a deflection off his back from a Vitinha shot. Achraf Hakimi doubled PSG’s lead in the second half with a sharp finish following a swift counter-attack initiated by Bradley Barcola.
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma maintained his second clean sheet of the tournament without being forced into a save, as the Parisian club bounced back from a previous defeat to Botafogo. The Seattle Sounders finished their tournament campaign winless (0-3-0) and were eliminated, becoming the second MLS team to exit after LAFC’s earlier departure.
Palmeiras and Inter Miami Advance in Dramatic Fashion
Group A provided some of the night’s most compelling action at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida, where Inter Miami hosted Palmeiras. Both teams ultimately secured qualification with a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Inter Miami, the sole MLS representative remaining in the tournament, initially took a commanding two-goal lead. In the 16th minute, Tadeo Allende scored with a direct run and finish after receiving a clever touch from Luis Suarez following a long clearance. Suarez then doubled Miami’s advantage in the 65th minute with a finish reminiscent of his peak form, shielding a defender, retaining possession, and powering a ferocious half-volley into the top corner from a tight angle. Despite being relatively quiet earlier, Messi had a notable attempt, a dipping volley that narrowly went over.
However, Palmeiras mounted a late comeback. Substitute Paulinho reduced the deficit in the 80th minute with a low finish, and just seven minutes later, Mauricio equalized by firing home from a loose clearance near the penalty spot area.
The 2-2 draw left both teams level on five points, with Palmeiras topping Group A on goal difference ahead of Inter Miami, ensuring both advanced.
High-Scoring Draw Eliminates Porto and Al Ahly
The other Group A match, a remarkable 4-4 draw between Porto and Al Ahly in New Jersey, proved to be an entertaining but ultimately inconsequential contest for qualification.
Wessam Abou Ali was the star for Al Ahly, netting a hat-trick, supported by a goal from Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane. However, Porto responded to equalize four separate times through Rodrigo Mora, William Gomes, Samu Aghehowa, and a late 89th-minute strike from veteran defender Pepe, who powered a shot from outside the box. Despite Porto keeper Claudio Ramos making six saves, the result meant both teams were eliminated as the draw between Miami and Palmeiras sealed their fate.
Knockout Stage Pairings Confirmed
The dramatic final group matches solidified the initial matchups for the Round of 16. Group B winners PSG will face Group A runners-up Inter Miami, setting up a highly anticipated encounter where Lionel Messi will face his former club for the first time since leaving in 2023. Group A winners Palmeiras will face Group B runners-up Botafogo, guaranteeing an all-Brazilian clash in the next round.
The night underscored the competitive nature of the new Club World Cup format, showcasing compelling comebacks, high-scoring thrillers, and surprising exits as teams battled for survival and progression.
