How Did ECA Clubs Get On at the FIFA Club World Cup?
The revamped FIFA Club World Cup came to a thrilling conclusion on as Chelsea swatted aside UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 at a sold-out MetLife Stadium.
Whilst the night belonged to Cole Palmer, who grabbed a brace on the afternoon, the newly reformatted competition showcased the European football’s dominant position on the world stage.
ECA Vital in FIFA Club World Cup Development
ECA played a vital role working closely with our 11 Member Clubs taking part in the tournament, alongside with FIFA, to deliver both the sporting spectacle and long-term financial benefits for the global game.
A key part of ECA’s role in the tournament was shaping a financial distribution model that ensures clubs of all levels from across the globe also benefit. With $250 million set aside for non-participating clubs, the FIFA Club World Cup is more than just a showcase of elite club talent, it’s a much-needed financial boost for the game’s future. These funds will push infrastructure upgrades, support talent development and strengthen the club game everywhere.
How Did ECA Clubs Perform?
11 ECA Member Clubs from 7 European Nations enjoyed memorable moments at the Club World Cup. Here's how they fared in the United States:
Chelsea lifted the trophy thanks to smart tactical decisions from Enzo Maresca in the final. The Italian coach targeted PSG’s left flank in the final, a gamble that paid off as the Premier League side scored three times in 43 minutes to secure the title.
PSG, fresh from a standout season, were among the tournament’s most exciting sides. A dominant 4-0 win over Atlético de Madrid kicked things off, followed by victories against Inter Miami, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. A brace from Fabián Ruiz helped the Parisians beat Madrid 4-0 in the semi-finals, but they couldn’t overcome Chelsea in the final.
Borussia Dortmund impressed during the group stage, topping Group B unbeaten. Highlights included a chaotic 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns. Their campaign came to an end at the quarter-finals stage after a narrow 3-2 loss to Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich started the FIFA Club World Cup in style with a 10-0 rout of Auckland City. Despite a final group game defeat to Benfica, they progressed and beat Flamengo 4-2 in the round of 16 with Harry Kane scoring twice. PSG ended their run in the quarters, a match overshadowed by a serious injury to Jamal Musiala.
Juventus scored 11 times in the group stage and looked strong early on. Big wins over Al Ain and Wydad AC secured progression, but a poor performance against Real Madrid saw them exit in the round of 16.
Manchester City reshaped their squad ahead of the tournament, bringing in Rayan Cherki and Rayan Aït-Nouri. The Cityzens won all three group games but crashed out after a 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal in the round of 16. Marcos Leonardo grabbed the extra-time winner for Saudi Arabian side in one of the tournament’s most thrilling matches.
Inter Milan entered the tournament with a point to prove after a heavy loss in the Champions League final. Cristian Chivu’s side topped Group E, including a 2-0 win over River Plate, but suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Fluminense in the round of 16.
Benfica drew with Boca Juniors in their opener but bounced back with a 6-0 win over Auckland City and a 1-0 win over Bayern. Their journey ended in the round of 16 with a 4-1 defeat to Chelsea, as Ángel Di María scored a late consolation goal in his final game for the club.
FC Porto, Atlético de Madrid and FC Salzburg exited at the group stage. Porto were undone by draws with Al Ahly and Palmeiras and a 2-1 loss to hosts Inter Miami, leading to the dismissal of coach Martín Anselmi.
Despite winning two group games, Atlético missed out on the last 16 by goal difference thanks in part to a heavy 4-0 opening game defeat to PSG. Salzburg started well with a 2-1 win over Pachuca but a goalless draw with Al Hilal and a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid saw the Austrians fall short.
After a sell-out final and a tournament full of standout moments, attention now turns to the 2029 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup. ECA will once again be at the heart of the tournament’s evolution, driving innovation, impact and inclusion through its strategic alliance with FIFA. Since 2023, this partnership has underpinned a shared ambition to elevate global club football, with ECA playing a leading role in shaping not only the men’s competition, but also the future FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.