The first week of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has officially wrapped up and the Meadowlands has hosted three games already. FC Porto, SE Palmeiras, Al Ahly FC, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense all played at MetLife Stadium over the span of the past week. The teams all participated in the group stage matches of the tournament, which consist of three games, to decide who moves on to the quarterfinals.
There was much excitement in the region as the games kicked off. Read below to find out how MetLife’s games have panned out so far.
June 15, SE Palmeiras vs FC Porto, 0-0
MetLife’s first FIFA Club World Cup match of the year was a low-scoring affair. In fact, there were no goals scored throughout the match, instead highlighted by exemplary defense. While no winners were decided, SE Palmeiras slightly outplayed Porto, accumulating more shots, shots on target and a higher possession rate. Though, in the scorecards it is counted the same.
A draw in the group stage matches isn’t ideal, but with two games remaining for both teams, it leaves them with a good opportunity to still move on to the next round.
The game drew an attendance of 46,275, with passionate fans from each club showing out to support their teams. Fans were treated to an excellent display of goalkeeping from both sides, particularly Porto’s back-up goalkeeper, Cláudio Ramos. Both teams left the game with a point to their names in the Group A standings, which could be vital down the line.
June 17, Fluminense vs Borussia Dortmund, 0-0
MetLife’s second game also went scoreless. That isn’t to say, however, that there weren’t a handful of close calls. Fluminense put the pressure on Borussia Dortmund towards the beginning of the match, but Borussia Dortmund’s goalkeeper stopped any shots from going in. Fluminense tallied double the amount of shots as Borussia Dortmund, with 14.
This matchup was the first for both teams in Group F and the draw will help them advance, as long as they can win their next two matches.
The attendance for the match was 34,736, mainly consisting of Fluminense fans. The game’s start time, which began at 12 p.m., was a significant factor for the drop in attendance. The teams will now continue their journey to advancing to the next round.
June 19, SE Palmeiras vs Al Ahly FC, 2-0
MetLife’s third game finally saw the ball find the net, as SE Palmeiras scored two goals against Al Ahly FC. The first half went scoreless, leaving many to believe that another 0-0 draw could be in the making. However, SE Palmeiras scored early in the second half, off an own goal in the 49th minute. Ten minutes later, José Manuel López shut the game down scoring the team’s second goal. A bizarre weather delay caused by imminent thunderstorms postponed the game for roughly 50 minutes, but once it returned Palmeiras held on to their lead.
Palmeiras earned four points in the match, much to the delight of the many vibrant fans in attendance at MetLife, putting them in a prime position to move on.
The game had an attendance of 35,179, similar to the game two days prior. Just like that game, this one also had a start time of 12 p.m., contributing to the drop in the numbers. Many energetic fans still made their way to the stadium and got to watch an exciting game and the first goals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
June 21, Fluminense vs Ulsan HD, TBD
MetLife’s next match is taking place tomorrow, June 21, at 6 p.m. Fluminense will return to MetLife as Ulsan HD plays its first game at the stadium. Ulsan HD lost their first game against Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. and will look to keep their tournament hopes alive tomorrow.