After just two matches at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, FOUR of the 32 teams competing have already been eliminated.
However, thanks to the prize money on offer, they do all have the chance of adding to their appearance fees in their final group stage matches.
As a reminder, every group stage win is worth $2 million, while a draw will see both sides pick up $1 million.
Losers leave empty-handed.
Teams to have been eliminated
In Group C, Auckland City from New Zealand will be preparing to pack their bags after losing 10-0 to Bayern Munich and 6-0 to Benfica in their opening two matches.
They will be looking for better fortune – and perhaps a goal – in their final clash against Boca Juniors on Tuesday.
Auckland City received $3.58 million in participation fees.
In Group D, Los Angeles FC have been eliminated after going down 2-0 to Chelsea and 1-0 against Esperance de Tunis.
They too will be hoping to end their campaign on a winning note against Flamengo on Tuesday.
Los Angeles FC earned $9.55 million for taking part.
In Group E, Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds will head home after the group stage is complete having lost 3-1 to River Plate and 2-1 to Inter Milan.
Urawa Red Diamonds will end their tournament against Monterrey on Wednesday.
The Japanese side also earned $9.55 million in appearance fees.
Finally, in Group F, South Korea’s Ulsan HD will also see their tournament come to a premature end having lost 1-0 against Mamelodi Sundowns and 4-2 against Fluminense.
Ulsan HD face a daunting final clash against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, but did earn $9.55 million for showing up.
In with a chance
Meanwhile, from a South African point of view, Mamelodi Sundowns still will have a chance of progressing to the Round of 16 despite having lost 4-3 against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Masandawana may well, however, will likely have to upset Brazilian side Fluminense in their final Group F clash on Wednesday, 25 June at 21:00 (SA time) in order to stay in the tournament.
Have you enjoyed the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup to date?
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