🌍 Biggest Disappointments of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

United States – The group stage of the 2025 Club World Cup has come to an end. And while the tournament has delivered unforgettable moments and record-breaking attendance (over 1 million tickets sold), it has also left us with some of the biggest disappointments in recent memory.

Joel Casillas

6/27/20251 min read

Amid thrilling matches and inspiring underdog stories (which we’ll cover in a separate article), several teams fell well short of expectations. Here’s a recap of the most notable letdowns:

❌ FC Porto Knocked Out… by Messi

The first major upset came in Group A, where FC Porto failed to advance after a shocking loss to Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi.

What was considered a manageable group turned into a nightmare for the Portuguese club. Their elimination casts more doubt on manager Martin Anselmi, who adds another international disappointment to his résumé.

❌ Atlético Madrid Crumbles in the Group of Death

Group B featured top European contenders like PSG and Atlético de Madrid, but it was Brazilian side Botafogo who stole the spotlight.

Coach Diego Simeone's team entered the decisive match at the Rose Bowl needing a two-goal win to advance — but they managed just one. A lack of attacking efficiency and a vulnerable defense (highlighted by a 4-0 loss to PSG) ultimately sealed their fate.

❌ Argentina Out Early: River and Boca Eliminated

In a shocking twist, Argentina’s two powerhouse clubs were both eliminated in the group stage.

Boca Juniors started strong with a draw against Benfica, but that result ended up hurting their chances. A subsequent loss to Bayern Munich sealed their exit — and their final match against Auckland City, suspended due to weather, was rendered meaningless.

River Plate faced a tough group featuring Monterrey, Inter Milan, and Urawa Reds. A scoreless draw with Monterrey left them in a must-win situation, but a heated 1-0 loss to Inter confirmed their early exit.

❌ Pachuca: Zero Points, Zero Progress

Perhaps the most frustrating performance came from Pachuca. Expectations were high as Jimmy Lozano made his debut as manager and several Liga MX signings joined the squad.

But none of that translated on the field. The Mexican club lost all three matches, earning zero points and returning home as one of the only teams to finish winless.

📌 Final Thoughts

The 2025 Club World Cup has given fans everything — passion, drama, and surprises. While some clubs have lit up the stage, others have stumbled at the first hurdle.

Who do you think was the biggest disappointment of the tournament? 💬