Club World Cup 2025 eliminates weak teams without mercy

DDM News

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is heating up with surprises and setbacks as two teams, Seattle Sounders and Auckland City, have officially been knocked out of the competition following Friday’s matches.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Seattle Sounders, representing Major League Soccer (MLS), became the first casualty after a 3-1 defeat to Spanish side Atletico Madrid.

It was a much-needed win for Diego Simeone’s men, who had earlier been crushed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The response from the La Liga giants was swift and decisive.

Atletico’s midfield talent Pablo Barrios scored twice, displaying tactical awareness and attacking flair. Axel Witsel added a third to compound Seattle’s woes.

Although Albert Rusnák managed to grab a consolation goal for the American side, the effort wasn’t enough to keep them alive in the tournament.

With two losses in a row, Seattle Sounders have been eliminated from the group stage.

Auckland City, the reigning champions of the Oceania region, also faced a nightmarish run.

Following a record-setting 10-0 loss to Bayern Munich, they were thrashed 5-0 by Benfica on Friday.

The back-to-back defeats ended their tournament hopes, having let in 15 goals and scored none, a brutal campaign that highlights the disparity between Oceania clubs and their elite European counterparts.

The exit of these two clubs clears the path for the tournament’s heavyweights, including PSG, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Benfica, who are all strong contenders for the title.

The expanded format of the 2025 edition was meant to showcase global football talent, but it has also exposed the growing gap in standards between continents.

Fans now look forward to more high-profile clashes as the knockout stages approach.

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