Atlanta Braves
5 Biggest Upsets in the FIFA Club World Cup
These five teams took the term “upset” to a whole new level, proving that anything is possible
They Shocked the World
The Club World Cup is entering its latter stages, and if there is one clear thing, it is that no favorite is secure. The tournament has become an exhibit of gumption, surprises, and new challengers rewriting the script.
The FIFA Club World Cup Teams have delivered matches that cut through the hype and gave us moments no soccer news outlet saw coming. And it’s these unexpected victories that have flipped the Club World Cup Futures market on its head.
Al Hilal’s vs. Manchester City
Match Highlights ⚽
Man City 3-4 Al-Hilal
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MCIHIL pic.twitter.com/7ZBMjhVrhs
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 1, 2025
Going into the tournament, the soccer odds gave Manchester City a smooth path to the title. But against Al Hilal, dominance in possession wasn’t enough. City controlled the first half but faltered when it mattered. Al Hilal adjusted their game plan, pushed back with confidence, and turned the tables in extra time.
Botafogo vs. PSG
🇧🇷 BRAZILIAN JOY IN PASADENA!
🎉⚫️⚪️@BOTAFOGO takes it!Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/DLh9Uo5RYd
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 20, 2025
When Botafogo faced Paris Saint-Germain, few predicted what happened next. Despite PSG holding nearly three-quarters of the ball, the Brazilian side outsmarted them defensively and took their chances when they came. This was a tactical win, not a lucky break—and it reshaped expectations for South American clubs in this tournament.
Fluminense vs. Inter Milan
Fluminense SHOCK Inter Milan Early And Advance | FIFA Club World Cup Highlights pic.twitter.com/WrvsILeXMC
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 30, 2025
Fluminense didn’t just beat Inter Milan—they shut them down. Germán Cano’s early strike set the tone, and Hércules’ stoppage-time goal closed the door. Inter, still carrying the sting of last season’s near-misses, couldn’t find the answers they needed. Another European favorite gone too soon.
Flamengo vs. Chelsea
Flamengo STUNS Chelsea!! 😳
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #FLACHE pic.twitter.com/JfVDeHe6To
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 20, 2025
Flamengo and Chelsea delivered one of the most intense battles of the group stage. Chelsea struck first, but Flamengo responded with sharp, confident play, turning a deficit into a 3-1 win. It was a reminder that South American teams are still very much in the global conversation.
Inter Miami Makes History vs. Porto
53′ ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? 🐐
Messi scores a GORGEOUS free kick goal and @InterMiami are now leading 2-1 versus @FCPorto!
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MIAFCP pic.twitter.com/KvshKKFrrY
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025
Perhaps the biggest shocker came when Inter Miami, led by Messi, took down Porto. Not only was it a landmark win for the MLS side, but it also marked the first time a CONCACAF team defeated a European club in an official FIFA tournament. Soccer news outlets around the world highlighted Messi’s goal, but the bigger story was Miami’s rise on the international stage.
What’s Next?
The final stretch is set. Five European giants remain, along with two Brazilian sides and the ever-dangerous Al Hilal. According to the latest soccer odds, Real Madrid leads the pack at +275, with Bayern Munich at +600.
Madrid’s semifinal clash against Dortmund could be tricky, but few would bet against them reaching the final. Meanwhile, Al Hilal, priced at +1200, has already shown they can dismantle top-tier opposition. With a squad full of seasoned players and a coach like Inzhaghi pulling the strings, they’re not a team anyone wants to face now.
