UEFA and CONMEBOL pull away as global gap widens at Club World Cup

A third of the group stage is now behind us, and the early snapshot of this expanded tournament reinforces the familiar hierarchy of international club football. As expected, UEFA and CONMEBOL teams are operating on a different level, leaving the rest trailing in their wake.

The figures from the first 16 matches speak for themselves: European clubs lead the tally with six victories—Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester City, Juventus, and Salzburg all registering wins.

There were also five draws (Porto, Benfica, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid), with Atletico Madrid suffering Europe's only defeat in a regional clash against their French rivals.

South America's representatives can take pride in an unbeaten start. Their six outings have been evenly split: three wins for Flamengo, River Plate and Botafogo, and three draws for Palmeiras, Fluminense and Boca Juniors.

Notably, in three direct encounters against UEFA sides, CONMEBOL teams have emerged unscathed, maintaining the transatlantic balance of power.

Elsewhere, as widely anticipated, the remaining four confederations have failed to mount any real challenge. Across 14 matches involving clubs from Africa, Asia, North America and Oceania, only one victory was recorded—Mamelodi Sundowns edging out South Korea's Ulsan HD.

None of the remaining nine teams—from regions spanning North and Central America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania—have yet tasted victory. Even so, there were flashes of resistance: Al Hilal's 1-1 draw with Real Madrid felt almost like a win, while Monterrey earned a commendable point against Inter Milan.

Generally, however, the gulf in class has been stark. Auckland City were overwhelmed 10-0, and Al Ain's 5-0 defeat further underlined the disparity. With Palmeiras and Al Ahly set to open the second matchday, that gulf shows little sign of narrowing.

Club World Cup results by confederation:

UEFA: 6 wins | 5 draws | 1 defeat

CONMEBOL: 3 wins | 3 draws | 0 defeats

CAF: 1 win | 1 draw | 2 defeats

CONCACAF: 0 wins | 2 draws | 3 defeats

AFC: 0 wins | 1 draw | 3 defeats

OFC: 0 wins | 0 draws | 1 defeat