European hopes took an early blow at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, as Atletico Madrid were officially knocked out in the group stage alongside Seattle Sounders. Paris Saint–Germain and Botafogo advanced to the knockout rounds, sending both the Spanish and American clubs home early.
Heading into the tournament, expectations were clear: both European teams in the group were heavily favored to advance. But Botafogo defied the odds with a 1-0 win over PSG after opening with a victory over the Sounders, claiming the top spot.
Atletico Madrid needed a dominant win in their final match against Botafogo to stay alive but fell short. The 1-0 win wasn’t enough as it ended their campaign and made them the first European side to exit the tournament early. With Atletico out, attention turns to other European squads in danger of following suit.
Not only the Spanish side, but also Porto join the list of eliminated teams after a dramatic 4-4 draw against Al Ahly. The Portuguese side failed to secure a single win in the tournament. Their poor performance frustrated fans, especially those who viewed them as one of the favorites to lead Group A.
Players of FC Porto pose for a team photograph prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match against Inter Miami. ( Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
European teams at risk of group stage elimination
Chelsea are currently second in group D with three points, tied with Espérance Sportive de Tunis. Flamengo top the standings with six. The Blues will face the Tunisian side in the final group game, and a draw would be enough to see them through due to a superior goal differential.
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Where to watch Porto vs Al Ahly live in the USA: FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Inter Milan and River Plate share the group E lead with four points each, with Monterrey just behind on two. The Italians take on River in the final group match. A win would punch Inter’s ticket to the next round, but a draw or loss could result in elimination, depending on the result between Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds.
Borussia Dortmund sit level with Fluminense at the top of Group F with four points apiece. In the final round, Dortmund will face Ulsan HD FC, while Fluminense meet Mamelodi Sundowns, who have three points. A draw would be enough for the Germans, but a loss could send them packing if results elsewhere go against them.
Real Madrid are tied with RB Salzburg at four points in group H, while Al Hilal sit close behind with two. The final round sees Real Madrid take on Salzburg in a crucial clash. A loss could eliminate the Spanish giants if Al Hilal manage to beat Pachuca. If the other match ends in a draw or a Pachuca win, Madrid will advance even with a loss.
European teams already qualified for the knockout stage
Not all European clubs are struggling in the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025—some have already secured their place in the next round. Paris Saint–Germain clinched qualification from Group B after defeating Seattle Sounders, bouncing back from an early setback to advance alongside Botafogo.
In Group C, Bayern Munich have already booked their spot in the knockout stage, regardless of the outcome of their upcoming match against Benfica, which is a must-win for the Portuguese side as they compete with Boca Juniors for second place.
Meanwhile, in Group G, both Manchester City and Juventus have advanced. The two European powerhouses top the group with six points each after wins over Al Ain FC and Wydad AC, sealing early progression into the next phase.
