Sergio Ramos led Monterrey to an impressive draw against Inter Milan in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, raising expectations among fans for a deep run in the tournament. However, after settling for another draw, this time against River Plate, concern has started to grow around the Mexican side, leaving supporters wondering about the team’s current situation.
The good news for Monterrey are that they are not eliminated. Currently sitting third in Group E with 2 points, they still have a chance to advance to the next stage of the Club World Cup — and even finish atop the group.
However, heading into Matchday 3 in a vulnerable position means Monterrey no longer controls their own destiny. They will need a combination of results to secure a spot in the round of 16.
What results do Monterrey need to reach the round of 16?
Monterrey will take on the already-eliminated Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday at the Rose Bowl Stadium. But with both River Plate and Inter Milan sitting on 4 points, Monterrey’s path forward has very little margin for error.
To stay alive, Monterrey must win against Urawa Red Diamonds. A draw or loss would eliminate them from the competition. A victory would give them 5 points, but qualification would still depend on the result between River Plate and Inter Milan.
see also
Download the complete 2025 FIFA Club World Cup schedule: PDF, Excel, and printable formats
If Monterrey win, and either River or Inter claim victory in their matchup, Monterrey would finish second in Group E and advance to the next round, facing the first positioned side in Group F.
What happens if River and Inter draw?
If River Plate and Inter Milan draw while Monterrey defeat Urawa, all three teams would finish the group stage with 5 points. In that scenario, FIFA’s updated tiebreaker rules for the Club World Cup would come into play, starting with head-to-head results among the tied teams.
Since Monterrey drew with both River and Inter, head-to-head wouldn’t resolve the tie, so FIFA would apply the following tiebreakers, in this order:
- Superior goal difference obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned.
- Greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned.
- Superior goal difference in all group matches.
- Better fair play record: disciplinary points will be calculated based on the yellow and red cards received by players and coaching staff, with deductions applied according to the number of bookings and dismissals.
Heading into Matchday 3, Monterrey has a goal difference of 0, Inter sit at +1, and River at +2. If Monterrey beat Urawa by three goals, they would top the group. A two-goal win could still be enough to win the group depending on whether River vs. Inter ends in a scoreless draw or one with goals. A narrow one-goal victory would likely trigger the next tie-breakers, making Monterrey’s fate dependent on both matches, which will kick off simultaneously Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET.
