The Biggest Disappointments of the 2025 Club World Cup

Atlético and River Eliminated from the 2025 Club World Cup

Boca Draws with Auckland and Gets Knocked Out

Pachuca and LAFC Fall Short in Disappointing Fashion

The group stage of the 2025 Club World Cup ended with unforgettable moments—but also with some bitter disappointments. Several teams entered the tournament as favorites but made an early exit, leaving a sour taste for their fans.

Atlético de Madrid

Knocked Out on Goal Difference
The Colchoneros opened the tournament with a crushing 0-4 loss against PSG. Despite wins over Seattle and Botafogo, they were eliminated on goal difference.

«The match against PSG condemned us,» said coach ‘Cholo’ Simeone after crashing out with 6 points.

The Biggest Disappointments of the 2025 Club World Cup / Photo Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Porto

From Favorite to Winless Exit
With only two draws and one loss, Martín Anselmi’s side failed to advance. Their elimination at the hands of Al Ahly sparked rumors about the coach’s future.

«We didn’t come here to fail to qualify… Everything needs to change,» declared Anselmi after the disappointing campaign.

Photo: EFE

Boca Juniors

Draw Against a Semi-Pro Side and Eliminated
After drawing with Benfica and putting up a respectable fight against Bayern, Boca was eliminated following a draw with Auckland City—a team that had conceded 16 goals in its first two matches.

«I don’t like going out in the first stage… we have to stay strong,» lamented coach Miguel Ángel Russo.

The Biggest Disappointments of the 2025 Club World Cup / Photo: EFE

Pachuca

Three Losses, Zero Points
The Mexican club lost to Salzburg, to a Real Madrid side that played with a man down from early on, and to Al Hilal. It marked the worst performance by a Mexican club in the tournament’s history.

«It’s not enough just to compete—you have to make your mark,» said club president Armando Martínez.

The Biggest Disappointments of the 2025 Club World Cup / Photo: EFE

LAFC

From Knocking Out América to Finishing Last
After defeats to Chelsea and ES Tunis, LAFC nearly pulled off an upset against Flamengo but ultimately finished last in their group.

«Mistakes get punished. It wasn’t enough,» explained coach Steve Cherundolo.

The Biggest Disappointments of the 2025 Club World Cup / Photo: EFE

River Plate

Promising Start Ends in Reality Check
River won their opening match and drew with Monterrey but fell to Inter Milan, sealing their elimination.

«We tried to play our game, but the opponent was superior,» admitted coach Marcelo Gallardo after the loss.

Photo: EFE

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