Palmeiras and Porto play 0-0 in front of 46,000 spectators in the club World Cup

Palmeiras and Porto play 0-0 in front of 46,000 spectators in the club World Cup

East Rutherford, USA - The second opening game of Group A at the FIFA Club World Championship in the United States, which takes place on June 16, 2025, ended goalless. SE Palmeiras and FC Porto separated 0-0 in East Rutherford, around 46,000 spectators. Both teams have one point and are in the table with Inter Miami and al-Nahry.

In the game, Palmeiras showed a dominant performance in terms of possession and opportunities over long distances, but could not use the numerous options. Claudio Ramos, the replacement goalkeeper from Porto, appeared instead of the injured captain Diogo Costa and provided an outstanding idea. The next encounter in the group will see Porto against Inter Miami while Palmeiras meets al-Nahry.

New format of the Club World Cup

From 2025, the FIFA Club World Championship will be held in a new format with 32 participating teams, a clear change from the previous system with only seven teams annually. The first discontinuation of this new format is also planned for 2025 in the United States, and the tournament is organized in the four-year cycle, which could reduce the burden for the players. FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund are the two German representatives in this competition.

This reform aims to enable a greater representation of different associations. Each of the 32 participating teams could receive a potential entry fee of 50 million euros, which increases the financial importance of the tournament. Hans-Joachim Watzke, Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund, emphasizes that the new club World Cup can act as a sales driver for the clubs involved.

historical context and future challenges

The FIFA Club World Championship was first held in Brazil in 2000 and took place annually from 2005 to 2023. The title holder 2023 is Manchester City. Real Madrid with five titles is the record winner, while Cristiano Ronaldo is considered a record scorer. The reform of the club World Cup not only brings new formats, but also different challenges that have already been received positively by players like Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer.

The introduction of eight groups, each with four teams, followed by a knockout phase, questions the previous K.-O. system. The two best teams of each group ultimately come to the round of 16. Despite all the positive signs, the reform of fans and experts is partly critically viewed, which raises questions about the new structure.

The FIFA plans to announced more details on the transfer and the sponsors of the new format in order to further increase the visibility of the competition. The increasing international attention offers both clubs and players new opportunities and opportunities.