Chelsea FC and SL Benfica have qualified for the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup™, while Major League Soccer side LAFC exited the tournament despite a brave effort. The biggest story of the tournament so far, however, came from New Zealand’s Auckland City FC, who stunned Argentine giants Boca Juniors in one of the most shocking results in recent football history.
At Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Chelsea cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Tunisia’s Espérance, with young striker Liam Delap scoring his first goal for the club. The win secured a knockout spot for the Blues, managed by Enzo Maresca, who now have a clear path to the semi-finals.
In another big match, SL Benfica edged out Bayern Munich to top their group. The Portuguese side now face Chelsea in the next round, while Bayern will face Brazilian champions Flamengo.
But all eyes were on Nashville, where Auckland City FC – made up largely of part-time players — held six-time South American champions Boca Juniors to a 1-1 draw, eliminating the Argentines. Student Nathan Garrow and aspiring teacher Christian Gray combined to score a famous equaliser, earning Auckland a spot in the knockout round and writing a fairy tale moment for the tournament.
Meanwhile, LAFC drew 1-1 with Flamengo in Orlando. Denis Bouanga gave the American side hope, but Flamengo’s 20-year-old Wallace Yan equalised to ensure his team remained unbeaten. LAFC, with just one point, bowed out of the tournament.
The competition, which brings together top clubs from around the world, continues to deliver surprises as underdogs rise and giants fall.
