This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission.
CWC Stock Up / DownGetty/GOAL
Jacob Schneider

Club World Cup Stock Up, Stock down: Liam Delap capitalizes on costly Nicolas Jackson red card for Chelsea, Julian Alvarez blanks as Atletico Madrid eliminated

GOAL US looks at who thrived, and who fell short in the group stage of the 2025 Club World Cup

So the tournament has been split in half - 16 teams are out, and 16 teams remain, as the first winner of the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup looks to be crowned this summer in the U.S.

There were some shocking exits in the group stage, including European heavyweights Atletico Madrid and FC Porto - both of which saw Brazilian clubs advance ahead, Palmeiras and Botafogo. Lackluster performances played roles in those exits, but top individual performances have carried teams to incredible results, too.

For Palmeiras, starlet Estevao has dazzled, even though he hasn't scored yet. Set to join Chelsea after the tournament, he's become a must-watch. The Blues themselves, meanwhile, have seen new forward Liam Delap break out, while starting striker Nicolas Jackson let them down after another costly red card.

For Atletico, star forward Julian Alvarez misfired across the group stage. The same goes for LAFC and striker Olivier Giroud - who will be an LAFC striker no more.

In the most storybook performance of the opening round, legendary Argentine winger Angel Di Maria carried Benfica into the knockouts with three goals - coming in his last competition for the club before returning to Argentina.

GOAL US takes looks at whose stock is up, and whose stock is down, entering the CWC knockouts.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZN
Stream now
  • delapGetty Images

    Stock Up: Liam Delap

    Welcome to Chelsea, Liam Delap.

    The England youth international and former Ipswich Town star signed for Chelsea ahead of the competition, and three games in, he looks the real deal. The 22-year-old scored his first goal for the club in their knockout-clinching victory over Esperance, and on Matchday One, bagged an assist in a win over LAFC.

    He's shown manager Enzo Maresca that he has quickly adapted to their system and capitalized on the moment handed to him due to Nicolas Jackson's suspension.

    "We know Liam is going to score goals for us, we don’t have any doubts about that," Maresca said after the Flamengo game, where he scored his first. "Against Flamengo he had three clear chances to score goals, so that is a good feeling because it means he is there, he is in the right position and doing well.

    "We expect the process to be quite quick with Liam because we know him and he knows us in the way we want to play."

    • Advertisement
  • Nicolas Jackson Chelsea Club World CupGetty

    Stock Down: Nicolas Jackson

    It's unfortunate Jackson sitting where he is, but he only has himself to blame. He earned a costly red card in the Blues' penultimate game of the regular season, and then on Matchday two against Flamengo, he earned a straight red once again - his second in three games.

    It was an accidental tackle, and there was no malicious intent, but he was rightfully dismissed. He's now suspended for their quarterfinal match against Benfica. The striker apologized on social media for his actions, posting: "No excuses. I take full responsibility. I'll reflect, I'll grow, and I'll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry."

    However, there's no sugarcoating it: he was reckless and it nearly cost his team. And he's now handed Delap an opportunity to take his starting spot.

  • SL Benfica v Auckland City FC: Group C - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Getty Images Sport

    Stock Up: Angel Di Maria

    Waving goodbye to European football, Di Maria has inspired Benfica all throughout the Group Stage, seeing them through to the knockout round while topping their group. The Argentina legend scored three goals and is one of five players tied for the Golden Boot lead.

    He began their comeback draw against Boca Juniors, sinking home from the penalty spot before scoring a brace in their 6-0 rout of Auckland City. In their massive win over Bayern, he logged 87 minutes. Having retired from La Albiceleste last summer, he's getting one last dance, and it's a spectacle to watch.

  • Paris Saint-Germain FC v Club Atletico de Madrid: Group B - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Getty Images Sport

    Stock Down: Julian Alvarez

    Goalless across the group stage, Alvarez let Diego Simeone's squad down. After entering the competition in good form, bagging the winner on a FIFA World Cup qualifier over Chile for Argentina, expectations were high for the 25-year-old. However, he came up short against the Seattle Sounders, Paris Saint-Germain, and Botafogo.

    To his credit, he did earn an assist in their win over the Brazilian side, but his goal-scoring prowess was missing for the La Liga side. In such In tournaments, players of his caliber need to be held accountable for not stepping up in big moments.

  • estevaoGetty Images

    Stock Up: Estevao

    Curiously, Estevao went goalless throughout the group stage and didn't even bag an assist. Normally, that would open up a space for critics to rise. Not for the 18-year-old Brazilian phenom.

    He earned two Man of the Match awards for Palmeiras across the opening round, leading them into the knockouts while going unbeaten. He was menacing across the final-third, displaying his brilliant skillset on and off the ball. One of the most exciting players to watch in each game, the future Chelsea footballer was electric in the attack.

    Having led Palmerias to the knockout stage, where they meet Botafogo, he will look to leave a lasting impact on the team before joining Chelsea on a deal following the competition.

  • olivier-giroud(C)Getty Images

    Stock Down: Olivier Giroud

    The Frenchman was blanked all tournament long, as LAFC were eliminated just two games into the groups. He started on Matchday two against Esperance de Tunis, but had an uninspiring performance.

    LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo was looking at the 38-year-old as someone who could help lead the team, but Giroud lacked the attacking prowess he has shown throughout his illustrious career.

    On Friday, it was announced that the legendary French forward and the MLS side had agreed on a mutual contract termination, ending his stay in the United States. A rough two-week span.