The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has seen some jaw-dropping events, with Al-Hilal’s shocking 4-3 extra-time triumph over Manchester City in the Round of 16 serving as a landmark upset.

With the 2025 Club World Cup producing shocking results, Daily Sun brings you five startling moments from the competition, including Manchester City’s loss.

1. Al-Hilal stuns Manchester City in a 4-3 extra-time thriller

Manchester City, the defending champions and heavy favourites, were knocked out by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in a chaotic seven-goal match on June 30, 2025, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

City took an early lead through Bernardo Silva’s controversial ninth-minute goal, which Al-Hilal protested due to a possible handball by Rayan Aït-Nouri.

Al-Hilal flipped the game with quick second-half goals from Marcos Leonardo and Malcom, only for Erling Haaland to equalise.

In extra time, Kalidou Koulibaly’s header and Phil Foden’s 100th City goal kept the score level at 3-3, but Leonardo’s 112th-minute winner sealed a historic upset for Al-Hilal, exposing City’s defensive frailties and marking a trophyless 2025 season for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The result was hailed as “one of the biggest in the history of Saudi football” and a boost for the Club World Cup’s global appeal.

2. Fluminense’s 2-0 shock win against Inter Milan

Brazilian side Fluminense pulled off another major upset by defeating UEFA Champions League runners-up Inter Milan 2-0 in the Round of 16.

The victory, which occurred on the same day as Al-Hilal’s win over Manchester City, highlights the growing competitiveness of non-European teams.

Fluminense’s disciplined performance and clinical finishing embarrassed Inter, setting up an unexpected quarter-final clash with Al-Hilal.

The defeat left Inter’s captain, Lautaro Martínez, openly critical of his team’s lacklustre display, adding to the shock of the European giant’s early exit.

3. Controversial VAR decision sparks Al-Hilal’s fury

During the Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal match, a contentious moment arose when City’s opening goal by Bernardo Silva was allowed to stand despite Al-Hilal’s protests over a potential handball by Rayan Aït-Nouri in the buildup.

The referee, Jesús Valenzuela, waved away the claims, and VAR did not overturn the decision, leading to vociferous complaints from Al-Hilal players and staff.

Fans booed the referee’s explanation, and the incident fueled Al-Hilal’s determination, contributing to their stunning comeback.

The controversial call became a talking point, with some arguing it galvanised Al-Hilal’s performance.

4. Wydad AC’s Near-Upset Against Bayern Munich

Moroccan side Wydad AC nearly pulled off a monumental shock against Bayern Munich in the Round of 16, losing 2-1 in a tightly contested match.

Wydad took a surprise lead through a set-piece goal, capitalising on Bayern’s sluggish start.

Although Harry Kane’s late strike and a Thomas Müller penalty secured Bayern’s advancement, Wydad’s fearless performance against the German ius a testament to the tournament’s unpredictability and the strength of African club football.

5. Early exit of European giants signals tournament shift

Beyond Manchester City and Inter Milan, several European powerhouses struggled in the expanded 32-team format, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) narrowly escaping an upset against Mexican side Club América in a 3-2 thriller.

PSG’s shaky performance, marked by defensive errors and a late comeback, exposed vulnerabilities among top European clubs.

The collective struggles of favourites, combined with strong showings from teams like Al-Hilal, Fluminense, and Wydad, indicate a shift toward a more globally competitive Club World Cup, challenging Europe’s traditional dominance. (Daily Sun)

•Al Hilal’s Kalidou Koulibaly celebrates after scoring against Manchester City on Tuesday, 1 July | Photo: X