The FIFA Club World Cup group stage continues to deliver drama across the U.S., with River Plate and Manchester City starting strong, Inter Milan forced to settle for a draw, and Mamelodi Sundowns making African football history. Here’s a roundup of Tuesday’s key results:
River Plate 3-1 Urawa Red Diamonds – Solid Start for Gallardo’s Side
River Plate kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a confident 3-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds in Seattle. Facundo Colidio opened the scoring with a 12th-minute header from a pinpoint Marcos Acuña cross, giving the Argentine club early control.
“We needed to start the tournament like this, we knew we could do it, it was a tough game like we knew it was going to be,” Colidio told DAZN.
“Today we were very effective and that’s why we won. We knew we had to be intense too and we took our chances.”
Urawa responded with energy, nearly equalizing before halftime. Marius Hoibraten had a goal ruled out for offside, and Takuro Kaneko forced a save from Franco Armani.
Sebastian Driussi doubled River’s lead early in the second half, capitalizing on a defensive mistake to head home. Though Driussi exited soon after with an injury, Urawa narrowed the gap through a Yusuke Matsuo penalty after Acuña committed a foul in the box.
Substitute Maxi Meza secured the win with a header from another Acuña delivery, wrapping up the match in the 73rd minute.
“I’m happy with the first game. There was a lot of nerves, it was important to win,” River coach Marcelo Gallardo told DAZN.
“They are a physical, fast and dynamic team, we knew it was going to be like that. The goals gave us peace of mind… we have room for improvement for what’s to come.”
Next up, River Plate face Monterrey, while Urawa meet Inter Milan in Group E action.
Ulsan HD 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns – South African Side Make History
In Orlando, South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns edged past Ulsan HD with a 1-0 victory, marking the first-ever win by an African side at the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup.
The decisive moment came in the first half, when Lucas Ribeiro set up Iqraam Rayners, who calmly finished to give Sundowns the lead. Ulsan showed glimpses of quality but couldn’t break through against a well-organized Sundowns defense.
It was a frustrating evening for the K League side, who now face an uphill battle in Group F.
Monterrey 1-1 Inter Milan – Ramos Shines, Inter Held
At the Rose Bowl in California, Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Mexican side Monterrey in a highly anticipated Group E opener. Sergio Ramos stunned the crowd with a powerful header to give Monterrey the lead in the first half.
“It was a very difficult match against a great rival, a Champions League finalist. We knew the physical demands it would take,” Ramos told DAZN.
“In the end, when you don’t win and don’t get the three points, obviously you don’t go home 100% happy.”
Lautaro Martínez brought Inter level in the 42nd minute, finishing off a slick passing sequence that followed a set piece. He thought he had scored again in the 68th minute, but the effort was ruled offside. Inter dominated possession but couldn’t find a winner, despite late chances.
“Now we have to forget about the point we got and start thinking about the next game against River and get the three points because it would be important to get three points,” Ramos added.
“We know how difficult River is because they’re a team that will compete until the last minute, because that’s in Argentine blood. There [will be] constant individual battles, and we’re going to go out there and give it our all to try to get a positive result.”
Cristian Chivu made his managerial debut for Inter, rotating the squad after their recent Champions League final appearance. Marcus Thuram featured in the second half, replacing Sebastiano Esposito.
Manchester City 2-0 Wydad Casablanca – Strong Start, Late Red
Manchester City began their tournament in style with a 2-0 win over Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia. Goals from Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku in the first half gave City a comfortable cushion despite Pep Guardiola resting several regular starters.
Foden struck within the opening two minutes after Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid parried a Savinho cross. Doku doubled the advantage shortly before halftime, volleying home at the far post from Foden’s corner.
The match had its moments of drama. Rico Lewis received a straight red card in the 88th minute for a studs-up challenge on Samuel Obeng. The game also experienced an unusual interruption when an animal-rights protester briefly halted play.
City now face Al Ain in their next Group G match, while Wydad meet Juventus in a must-win fixture.