The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off with a bang on June 14, 2025, at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, setting the stage for a month-long celebration of global football. The revamped tournament, now featuring 32 teams from six continents, promises to be a spectacle of skill, passion, and international camaraderie.
Opening Match: Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly
In the inaugural match, Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF faced Egypt’s Al Ahly SC. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, a result that highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament’s opening fixture.
Despite the lack of goals, the match was far from uneventful. Inter Miami’s superstar, Lionel Messi, came close to scoring on several occasions, including a stunning long-range effort that was narrowly saved by Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy.
The match was played before a crowd of 60,927 spectators, marking a strong start for the tournament in the United States.
June 15 Matches: Dominant Performances and High-Scoring Encounters
The following day, June 15, saw four exciting matches that showcased the global talent on display.
Bayern Munich 10–0 Auckland City
In one of the most lopsided matches in recent memory, Bayern Munich demolished Auckland City with a staggering 10-0 victory. The German giants were relentless, with goals coming from various players, including a hat-trick from Jamal Musiala. The match set a new record for the largest margin of victory in the tournament’s history.
Thomas Müller contributed significantly to the team’s performance. He scored two goals and provided one assist during the match. This match was particularly significant for Müller, as it marked his 250th goal for Bayern Munich, solidifying his status as one of the club’s all-time greats .
PSG 4–0 Atlético Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain delivered a dominant performance in their Club World Cup opener, defeating Atlético Madrid 4–0. Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring early, followed by goals from Vitinha and promising youngster Senny Mayulu. Lee Kang-in sealed the result with a second-half penalty.
Atlético struggled to create chances and looked flat throughout, while PSG controlled possession and dictated the pace of the game from start to finish.
Palmeiras 0–0 Porto
In their Group A opener at MetLife Stadium, Palmeiras dominated possession and created several chances. But they couldn’t find the net, and the match ended in a goalless draw. Porto’s substitute goalkeeper Cláudio Ramos was the standout. He made several crucial saves, especially during stoppage time in the first half. Ramos denied shots from Estevão, Maurício, and Richard Rios, keeping Porto alive.
Coach Abel Ferreira praised his team’s performance but acknowledged their inefficiency in front of goal
Botafogo 2–1 Seattle Sounders
Brazilian side Botafogo edged out the Seattle Sounders in a closely contested match. Tiquinho Soares opened the scoring with a well-placed finish in the first half, and former Lyon midfielder Jeffinho added a second after a slick passing move.
The Sounders responded late with a goal from Jordan Morris, but it wasn’t enough to mount a full comeback. Botafogo’s experience and composure under pressure made the difference, helping them secure a vital three points in Group B.
As the tournament progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with teams vying for the coveted title of World Champion. The performances witnessed in the opening matches have set a high standard, promising more thrilling encounters in the days to come.
Leave a Reply