The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup delivered a day of drama and surprises as Brazilian side Botafogo pulled off the tournament’s biggest shock, defeating European giants Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles.
Igor Jesus gave Botafogo the lead in the 34th minute, and the Copa Libertadores champions held firm with solid defending to secure all three points. The result places them on top of Group B, ahead of both PSG and Atlético Madrid.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi reminded fans of his class by scoring a stunning free-kick in the 54th minute to hand Inter Miami CF a 2-1 win over FC Porto at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Porto had equalized early in the second half through Telasco Segovia after Samu Aghehowa put Inter ahead with a penalty in the 8th minute.
In New Jersey, Palmeiras climbed to the top of Group A after a 2-0 win over Egyptian champions Al Ahly. An own goal early in the second half put the Brazilians ahead before Flaco Lopez added another with a cool finish past Mohamed El Shenawy.
Atlético de Madrid bounced back from a heavy 4-0 defeat to PSG by beating Seattle Sounders 3-1 at Lumen Field. Pablo Barrios scored twice for the Spanish side, while Albert Rusnak got a goal back for Seattle before Barrios sealed the win with his second.
With one round of group matches left, Palmeiras and Botafogo lead their groups, while big names like PSG and Porto now face pressure to qualify for the knockout stage.
