Asian clubs face tough start in expanded FIFA Club World Cup

In the new 32-team FIFA Club World Cup format, Asian representatives face severe challenges in their opening matches in the United States.

Urawa Red Diamonds suffered a 3-1 defeat to River Plate — a team featuring four players from Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Colidio opened River Plate’s scoring in the 12th minute, followed by Driussi’s goal after captain Høibråten’s error. Despite Matsuo’s penalty conversion, Meza secured River Plate’s victory.

Ulsan HD shared a similar fate with a 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns — who dominated the match with 68% possession. Rayners’ lone goal in the 36th minute dashed the K League 1 champions’ hopes.

Two other Asian representatives, Al Ain and Al Hilal, will begin their campaign facing even tougher challenges — against European giants Juventus and Real Madrid. This situation demonstrates the heightened competition in this prestigious tournament’s new format.