For all the noise that preceded the expanded 32-team , the group stage delivered more than just jet lag and sunburn. There were upsets, packed stands draped in red and black, and a few lessons for the elite who expected this to be a cruise. This wasn’t just a tournament. It was a jolt.

Across the U.S., fans were treated to chaotic endings, clutch , and genuine moments of disbelief. Some of the tournament’s early matches felt flat, especially in heat-stricken, half-empty . But once the stakes settled in, so did the intensity. And when it hit, it hit hard.

A new world order?

South America came swinging. Flamengo bullied Chelsea in a 3–1 comeback win and subsequently bullied them on social media too. Botafogo held PSG to one shot in the second half and sent Atlético Madrid packing. Fluminense didn’t lose. Palmeiras topped their group. Five of six South American clubs reached the knockouts, and the vibe was unmistakable: this mattered to them.

“We showed how strong Botafogo is,” said striker Igor Jesus after the PSG win. They defended like their lives depended on it, and they countered with grit. This wasn’t romantic football. It was cold-blooded, tournament-smart football. European teams, by contrast, mostly looked groggy. PSG and Real Madrid rotated, Bayern and Benfica played cautiously in the heat, and Atlético—well, they’re already on vacation.

What stood out wasn’t just the results, but the approach. South American teams pressed high, tackled aggressively, and celebrated every clearance as if it were a goal. Flamengo’s manager Filipe Luís said it best after beating Chelsea: “We came here seeing every game as a final. That makes a big difference.”

African teams brought energy but little end product. Mamelodi Sundowns’ wild 4–3 loss to Dortmund was a highlight, but they couldn’t close out results. Esperance showed defensive resilience, but it wasn’t enough. Asia’s flag-bearer, Al Hilal, were more convincing. They held Real Madrid to a draw, didn’t lose a match, and reached the last 16 with just one goal conceded. Their structure and discipline stood in contrast to more chaotic sides.

The biggest names aren’t even here yet

Here’s the twist: Real Madrid topped their group without Kylian Mbappé, who’s been sidelined with a stomach illness. PSG haven’t used Ousmane Dembélé, managing a hamstring strain. Both are expected back for the knockouts. If this is what their teams look like at 70 percent, the rest of the field should be nervous.

Vinícius Júnior has stepped up for Madrid, scoring and assisting in their final group game. He looks like the emotional leader in Mbappé’s absence. For PSG, Luis Enrique has leaned on Kvaratskhelia and Barcola, but they’ve missed Dembélé’s ability to stretch defenses. His return adds another vertical threat to a team that already leads the tournament in possession stats.

Manchester City, meanwhile, haven’t needed Rodri for full minutes yet, but Haaland already has five goals. Pep’s side looks rested, sharp, and terrifying. Inter Miami, with Messi quietly running the show, got out of their group. Their style hasn’t changed—it’s still possession-first, Messi-centric, but it’s working. Chelsea, despite losing to Flamengo, are still alive. And let’s not forget Benfica, topping a group that included Bayern Munich. Di María and Otamendi have been steadying influences on a youthful squad.

What’s next

The bracket is loaded. Palmeiras and Botafogo will clash in a full-blooded Brazilian knockout. It’s a Libertadores grudge match, but this time with global stakes. Messi faces his old club PSG in a game dripping with storyline potential. Real Madrid and Juventus renew an old rivalry—though Juve’s form has been inconsistent at best. Manchester City, with a tournament-best +11 goal differential, face Al Hilal, the last Asian team standing. That might look one-sided, but Hilal’s shape and discipline could frustrate City in a way few teams have managed this year.

The bookmakers still favor City and PSG, but they’re not invincible. Flamengo and Botafogo proved that. Real Madrid hasn’t looked convincing, even when winning. Chelsea are unpredictable. Benfica could ride the old-man magic of Di María a round or two further. This isn’t just a European playground anymore.

We’re entering the final stretch of a tournament that many dismissed. Now, with knockout matchups locked and the stars about to arrive, it feels like something else: a proving ground for a changing football hierarchy.

The Club World Cup might not be perfect, but it’s no longer an afterthought. The chaos has given it life. Now it’s time to see who survives it.